Sandra VanDevelde

Sandra VanDevelde, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born in Ville Platte and a resident of St. Landry. Sandra passed away peacefully, at the age of 72 surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. After a life filled with faith, family, kindness, and countless cherished memories, she is at peace now.

Sandra was truly a model of what it means to care for others. A faithful Catholic, she lived her life with kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. Everyone seemed to know Sandra, and everyone who knew her felt loved by her. She had a special way of making people feel welcome, and it was often said that she was everyone's mom. She never met a stranger, and to Sandra, every person was a friend.

Sandra worked at Ardoin's Discount Grocery, where she genuinely enjoyed her customers and the conversations. She loved people and enjoyed hearing their stories, sharing a laugh, and visiting with those around her.

She found joy in the simple things in life. Sandra loved fishing, garage sales where she had to look at everything and camping with her family at Indiana Creek and Chicot State Park. She loved being outdoors, spending time with the people she cared about, and making memories that her family will treasure forever. Although she would jokingly say that she didn't like to cook, Sandra was an excellent cook, and her family certainly enjoyed the meals she prepared.

Above all, Sandra loved her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of more than 50 wonderful years, Larry VanDevelde; her children, Branda VanDevelde, Brian VanDevelde and his wife Faye, and Blake VanDevelde and his wife Nanci; grandchildren, Cody Beaubouef, Morgan VanDevelde, Ryan VanDevelde, Kelsea VanDevelde, Hunter VanDevelde, and Josie VanDevelde; great-granddaughter, Meadow, and sister, Donna Deville.

Sandra joins her parents in heaven, Joseph Smith of Ville Platte and Anna Fontenot Smith, and her sister, Arlene Kukla.

Though her family will miss her more than words can express, they can find comfort in knowing that Sandra's love, laughter, kindness, and faith will remain with them. Her life was a gift to her family and to everyone fortunate enough to call her a friend. She loved deeply, lived faithfully, and gave freely of herself. Her memory will forever be a blessing.

Visitation will be held Friday August 21, 2026 at Ardoin Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume Saturday August 22, 2026 morning at Ardoin Funeral Home at 8:00 a.m. and continue until time of Mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday August 22, 2026 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, with Father Casey Dugas officiating. Following Mass, Sandra will be laid to rest in St. Theresa Cemetery.

May she rest peacefully in the loving arms of God, surrounded forever by the love she gave so freely to others.