It is with both sorrow and joy that the Kieffer family announces the passing of Olivia Kieffer, age 79, of Ruston, Louisiana. Olivia was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following ongoing age-related health struggles. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we also find comfort and joy knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior.

Olivia is survived by her loving and devoted husband of fifty-seven years, James Kieffer, who never missed a day expressing his love and faithfulness to her. She is also survived by her son Patrick Kieffer and his wife Jamie C. Kieffer of Atascocita, Texas, and their children Emily and Evan; her son Timothy Kieffer and his wife Jamie L. Kieffer of Prairieville, Louisiana, and their children Anna, Abby, and Michael; her son-in-law Patrick Johnson; and his daughter Allison Johnson. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Christy Johnson.

Olivia was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana and raised in Winn, Parish, by her parents Leo and Ella Mae Waters. She was one of seven siblings: Marie Thompson, Margie Thomas, Alvin Waters, Betty Hoffpauir, Ileene Melfinger, and Paul Waters. Olivia graduated from Natchitoches High School, Class of 1964, and on May 25, 1968, married the love of her life, James.

Their love grew ‘as they welcomed three children’ and deepened as Olivia devoted her life to homemaking, faithfully serving as James’s companion while raising their children in a loving Christian home. Like most marriages, theirs was filled with many joyful memories and tested through difficult seasons. One of the greatest trials came in 1983, when James was suddenly paralyzed due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome. During those months, Olivia remained steadfast—caring for him with strength, patience, and unwavering faith—while their children were lovingly cared for by James’s brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Judy Kieffer. As James recovered, Olivia’s devotion to her family and her faith in Christ only grew stronger, sustained by the Lord she trusted completely.

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.” Our family—and the world—will deeply miss one of the most thoughtful, caring, and loving women God placed on this earth. Olivia lived out the words of Philippians 2:3–4:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Visitation will be held on Monday December 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road, Monroe, Louisiana. Funeral services will follow with Pastor Lewis Richerson (Woodlawn Baptist Church-Baton Rouge) presiding while Brother Tim Smith (First Baptist Church of Judson) officiates graveside prayer and devotion.

Pallbearers will be Dave Hoffpauir, Patrick Johnson, Evan Kieffer, Michael Kieffer, Patrick Kieffer, and Timothy Kieffer.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, We thank You for the life of Olivia and for the love, faith, and kindness she shared with all who knew her. Please comfort her family and friends in their grief and surround them with Your peace. May we hold fast to the hope we have in You and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  Amen.