Rose Muriel Graves Leone, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born on March 1, 1945, in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, Rose lived a rich and meaningful life filled with warmth, and laughter.

Rose’s legacy is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of her upbringing. She was the daughter of V.L. Graves and Fannie Price Graves, who preceded her in death. Growing up in a large and loving family, with siblings Brenda Rodriguez, Hazel Graves, Ray Graves, Charles Ray Graves, Floyd Graves, Corbitt Graves, Billy Graves, Wayne Graves, Fred Graves, Jimmy Earl Graves, and Douglas Graves, all of whom have passed on before her.

Rose was married to John Leone for many years; they had three children. Steve, Phoebe, and John Michael, Steve preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Phoebe Strahan and husband David; son John Michael Leone and wife Michelle; her grandchildren, Olivia Berry and her husband Josh, Allison Leone, Anna Strahan, Amelia Strahan, and Aiden Leone; and her great-grandchildren, Liam Berry, Leah Berry, and Lily Berry. Though her great-grandson, Luke D. Berry, has preceded her in death, Rose’s enduring love for her entire family remains a guiding light.

Rose’s home was always filled with the tantalizing aroma of her good cooking, the sound of her contagious laughter, and the warmth of her hospitality. Few things brought her more pleasure than a glass of iced tea, a quiet cigarette, or the comfort of classic television—especially episodes of Andy Griffith and Gunsmoke. She truly enjoyed timeless music, Rose found joy in the voices of Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, and Johnny Cash. Her most cherished memories were created during fishing trips and lively family gatherings, where laughter, stories, and love were generously shared.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 3:00 p.m. Rose will be laid to rest at Fern Park Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be David Strahan, Jason Rodriguez, Danny Graves, Josh Berry, and Liam Berry. Honorary pallbearers are Samuel Rodriguez, Aiden Leone, and John Michael Leone. 

Rose Muriel Graves Leone’s warmth, compassion, and joyous spirit will continue to resonate through the many lives she touched. Her memory will be cherished for generations to come.