Uella Lepine Strickland, 91, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2023.  She was the wife of the late Thomas Scott Strickland, and the daughter of the late Clarence J. Lepine and Enola Bruce Lepine.  She is survived by her daughter Joy, her brothers Ronald Lepine (June) and Harold Lepine, and her sister Linda Phillips (Mike), as well as many nephews, nieces, and grand nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by her siblings Earline Naquin, Janet Lobrano, Adam Lepine, Eugene Lepine, and Karen Erdos.  Uella was born in Bridge City and raised in Belle Chasse.  She met her husband Scott on a blind date.  They lived in New Orleans while he attended dental school and relocated to West Monroe where their daughter was born in 1963.  She lived in West Monroe until she decided to relocate to her home town of Belle Chasse in 2016.

Uella had a zest for life and was involved in many different activities.  She was a Past Worthy Matron and Grand Officer in the Eastern Star.  She had a ceramics shop with her friends and had a catering  business.  She also worked at the West Monroe City Court and Monroe airport.  She most loved working at the West Monroe bingo parlor.  She worked and played bingo avidly until her retirement in 2015.  Her lifelong dream was realized when she became Queen of the Monroe Krewe of Janus in 2003. She loved Mardi Gras, attended often in New Orleans, and enjoyed the members of the Krewe of Janus and its activities.  When her daughter retired in 2020, she and Uella moved to a house on the Jourdan River in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.  Uella loved living on the coast.  She enjoyed happy hours on the porch overlooking the water, fishing, and riding in her nephew’s pontoon boat.  But most of all, she loved playing the slot machines at Hollywood casino.

Uella will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She was a superb cook and is best known for her roast beef and gravy and her pralines.  She was very outgoing with a great sense of humor.  She loved a good cocktail and dressing in flashy, sparkling clothes and big jewelry.  She enjoyed every moment of her 91 years and will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

There will be a visitation for family and friends on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 at Mothe Funeral Home in Harvey, Louisiana, with an opportunity to share remembrances at the conclusion. There will also be a visitation on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 11:00 to 1:00 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in West Monroe, Louisiana, with an opportunity to share remembrances at the conclusion. She will be interred with her husband Scott at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery.

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