Cleola Chism

Cleola Ammons Chism, 96, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 in Shreveport, LA.

Cleola was born on August 10, 1928, in Zwolle, Louisiana, to Burtes Austen Ammons and Frances Arma Williams Ammons. She attended Zwolle High School and Northwestern State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

She was a talented seamstress who shared her knowledge and abilities with many Natchitoches friends and family. She enjoyed volunteering with the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service with her husband, Bob Chism, serving as Campground hosts at Bryce Canyon National Park and with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary (1986-2025). She was also a member of the Women's Bowling League in Natchitoches and went to state.

She grew up in Zwolle, LA, however, she lived her adult life in Natchitoches where she raised her daughter Judith and retired from Northwestern State University where she worked in excess of 30 years. She was well known as the Assistant Registrar as any student who had to take "one more class' before graduating can attest to.

As a member of the Cane River Stompers dance group she was proud to have been a part of the Senior Olympics. Cleola was also active in the Red Hats, sewing groups and enjoyed attending Bernina and Pfaff Clubs with her friends. Family was important to her. Serving as the matriarch she planned many holidays, reunions and special events throughout the years. She enjoyed traveling with her husband Bob, family, and friends.

Most recently she resided at the Oaks of Louisiana in Shreveport where she enjoyed visiting with friends old and new, and playing Rummikub and Bean Bag Baseball.

Cleola is preceded in death by her son, James Burtis LaRoue and her parents, Burtes Austen Ammons and Frances Arma Williams Ammons; her husband Bob Chism; and her children’s father James LaRoue; as well as her siblings, Reba Ammons Crnkovic, Dalton Ammons, Archie Ammons, and Delmer Ammons.

She is survived by her daughter, Judith LaRoue, grandchildren Sean Smith (Tricia), Jennifer Smith Johnson (Brian), Melanie Smith, and Susanna Smith Deshotel (Marcus). She is also survived by great-grandchildren Logan, Lilli, Olivia (Ethan), Zachary Cole, Brennan, and Dominic, as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

A special thank you to Rowena Amerson and her team of outstanding caregivers, the staff and employees of the Oaks of Louisiana and Amedisys Hospice Care.

A graveside service for friends and family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one of the following organizations that were near and dear to her heart:

Macular Degeneration Research

22512 Gateway Center Drive

Clarksburg, MD 20871

855-345-6637

brightfocus.org/stopAMD

Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana

285 Mt. Zion Rd

Shreveport, LA 71106

318-675-2400

feedinglousisiana.org