DUCLOS, Magdalen Rose "Della" (Schichtl) 1937-2019

DUCLOS, SCHICHTL, HALTER, HART

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 1/3/2020 at 16:44:20

Magdalen Rose "Della" Duclos

July 9, 1937 - December 30, 2019

Della Duclos, 82, died peacefully at her home on December 30, 2019.

She was born July 9, 1937 in Conway, Arkansas, daughter of George and Anna Mae (Halter) Schichtl, one of nine children. She married Alvin Duclos on August 30, 1958.

Della earned a Bachelors of Science in Home Economics from the University of Arkansas in 1959. While never employed specifically for this degree, it was used in raising the five Duclos children. As the family’s financial manager, she stretched every dollar. A master seamstress, she sewed for her children and made dance costumes. There her creative side merged with her sewing talent.

She was an exceptional cook and family memories include many 7-course dinner parties. Her favorite recipes continue to bring the family together and inspire her children and grandchildren in the art of cooking.

Della’s dream was for her kids to be happy, appreciative of their individual talents, and “have the character to take on the big old world on their own.” For that, she provided all of her children a college education. She began working when her oldest was a high school senior.

She was first employed as the church secretary at St. Michael’s and then at Warren Oil both in Vicksburg, MS. In Texarkana, Texas, she was the religious education coordinator at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Della was a consummate church volunteer. In her early years at Sacred Heart she started a very successful Explorers troupe (a co-ed division of the Boy Scouts of America.) Della was often the voice that a troubled scout would turn to for advice through those turbulent times called adolescence. She took a leadership role in decorating the church. From the fabric murals she made to hang during each religious season, to the exceptional splendor of Christmas, Della’s talents brought scripture to life.

Della is survived by five children and seven grandchildren; Leslie Wilson (Reid) of Cedar Falls and children Sarah (Andrew Anderson), Kelsey, Hannah (Andy Sheets), Jaime, and Rachel (Grant Sandell); D’Anne Duclos of Dallas, TX; Greg Duclos (Peggy) of Lubbock, TX and children Paden and Luke (Ashley); Sharon Duclos of Cedar Falls; Leigh Tiehen (Brian) of San Antonio, TX; and Schichtl brothers Jim of El Paso, and Tom (Carol), Robert (Shelby), and Butch in Conway.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna Mae, sister Anna Mae (Pete) Hart, and brothers: George, William and Edward.

Della was a loved wife, mother, mother-in-law, nana, and friend. She is already greatly missed.

Services: 10:30 A.M., January 4, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Waterloo, with visitation one hour prior to services. Life Celebration Mass and inurnment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Cemetery, Conway, AR at 11 AM on January 10, followed by a lunch. Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

SOURCE: Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service