Katherine Estelle Richie Bernard, 81, Bunkie native

Katherine Estelle Richie Bernard, a beloved member of the Alexandria community, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023, at the age of 81. She was born on September 7, 1942, in Dallas, Tex., to the late Harold Richie and Lurlene Richie.

After graduating from Bunkie High School in 1960, Katherine earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in 1964. She joined the Peace Corps after graduating from LSU where she volunteered in Chile.

Following her time with the Peace Corps, Katherine devoted herself to a fulfilling career as a Nursing Home Administrator. Her commitment to caring for others touched countless lives and exemplified her compassion and dedication.

Katherine found solace and joy in sewing where her creativity and attention to detail was plain to see. Her culinary skills were also renowned among family and friends as she delighted in cooking for others. Dancing was a true passion, and she was an active member of the Magnolia Dance Club. Katherine had an adventurous spirit, traveling around the world, making memories with friends along the way.

Her contributions to her community extended beyond her professional and personal pursuits. Katherine was an engaged member of the Spanish Club, celebrating her love for the language and culture, and was an active participant in the Junior League of Alexandria and the Mystique Krewe of Rapides, where she embraced the spirit of Mardi Gras and the camaraderie of fellow revelers.

Katherine will be dearly missed and forever remembered by her daughter, Jill Chandler-Simpson, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie Chandler-Simpson; and her son, John Charles Simpson, and daughter-in-law, Sara Simpson. She will also be fondly remembered by her sister Sue Quisenberry and brother-in-law Robert Quisenberry; her stepson, Steven Bernard and daughter-in-law, Shannon Bernard; stepson Brian Bernard, her stepdaughter Jennifer Richey, her son-in-law Ty Richey, her grandchildren J.C., Jake, Calob, Aaron, Chase, Bella, Emily and Sarah and her great-grandchildren Eva, Luke, Linkyn, and Arya.

Katherine is preceded in death by her husband Taylor Bernard, parents Harold Richie and Lurlene Richie, brother Harold Richie, sister Lillian Goudeau, paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Richie, and maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Waggoner.

The community is invited to pay their respects to Katherine during the public viewing at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Alexandria on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. A Funeral Service, celebrating Katherine's life, will follow at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Alexandria on the same day at 2 p.m. with Reverends Brad Webb, Ralph Johnson, and Buddy Webb officiating.

Following the Funeral Service, Katherine's final resting place will be at Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville.

Katherine Estelle Richie Bernard will forever be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Her family would like to express their sincerest thanks to the staff of Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport and to Katherine's close friends, Karen and Creed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to your favorite charity.