Obituary of Maria Templeton

Maria Templeton was born on August 11, 1951. On June 2, 2011, she died peacefully in her sleep and welcomed the beginning of her eternal life in heaven. She married the love of her life, Ronnie J. Templeton, on October 25, 1967. They had only two children, De'Anna and Jamie, but, she was a "mom" to many. She was an amazing wife, mother, and " Mia ". Maria was a devout Catholic; she had a strong faith and an enormous heart. She devoted her life to serving the Lord and helping others in any way she could. She was a member of LOPA ( Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency) and a strong advocate for organ donation. She shared her passion for the Lord both with words and through living by example. She prayed daily and one of her favorite prayers was "Radiating Christ". Her answer to this prayer is evident as the most common remark made about her by friends, family, and those who barely knew her was "They felt a sense of peace and comfort when in her presence". She was truly a remarkable person and touched the lives of many. Maria was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Amaya Cueto; sister, Maria "Lupe" Anderson; and brother, Jessie Cueto. She is survived by her husband, Ronnie J. Templeton; her two daughters: De'Anna Bruyninckx and husband Matt, and Jamie Nelson and husband David; grandchildren: Lathan Dennis, Emory Nelson, Madilyn Nelson, Devin Johnson and fiance' Lee Gole, Kaylen Bass, Nolyn Bruyninckx, Katelyn Bruyninckx and Alyssa Bruyninckx; brothers: Hector Cueto, John Cueto and wife Debra, and Rafael Cueto; sisters: Marcie Newell and husband Murwyn, Judy Ritchie and husband Mike, Veronica Dean and husband Daniel, Janie Smith and husband Mike, and Mary Lou Tucker; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 214 Reagan Street, West Monroe, LA with Brother Wesley Pittman officiating. Riser Funeral Home of Columbia is in charge of arrangements.