Obituary

 Lita McGehee Varnado

June 26, 1958 - June 7, 2024

Lita McGehee Varnado, a resident of the Rio community, passed away at her home on Friday, June 7, 2024.

Lita was raised in the Ben’s Ford area of Bogalusa.  She began her school experience as an elementary student in Bogalusa City Schools.  She then attended high school at American Private School where she participated in many school activities, including both varsity sports and academics.  She graduated in 1976 as valedictorian of her class.  From there, Lita moved on to Southeastern Louisiana University where she graduated, with honors, as an elementary education major.

Returning home to get married, Lita began a long career as an elementary teacher in Bogalusa City Schools.  She was selected teacher of the year at every school she worked.  She was also selected system-wide elementary teacher of the year.  She retired with thirty two years of service.

After retirement, Lita enjoyed traveling, growing flowers around her house, pampering the cats and dog, and feeding the wildlife, especially the deer that would feed in her front yard.

Lita is survived by her husband of forty years, Jay Varnado; a brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Sharon McGehee; a brother, Bobby McGehee; a brother-in-law, Keith Varnado; niece, Brooke (Clay) Applewhite; nephew, Cory (Corey) McGehee; uncle, Jimmy McGehee, and a number of other relatives and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by the light of her life, her son, Ethan Cade Varnado; and her parents, Jerry and JoAnn McGehee.

Lita will be remembered at a memorial service to be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Thursday, June 13th from 4:00 p.m. until the service time of 5:30 p.m.  Burial will be a private ceremony for family members at Lita’s request.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lita’s name to the youth groups at Palestine Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, or Ben’s Ford Baptist Church.