Lara Garza Marks, age 55, of Keithville, Louisiana, died Wednesday, November 9, 2022, after a brief illness. Lara was born on July 11, 1967, to Mildred "Middie" Hendrickson and Arthur Garza. After graduating from Southwood High in 1985, she worked in a few different industries before ultimately creating her path of entrepreneurship in the world of art and design.

Lara's passions in life were her husband, her furbabies and her artwork. She married her husband, JR, in 2007, and they celebrated their 15 ^th wedding anniversary 2 short months ago. JR was Lara's rock, her sidekick on many art projects and the love of her life. Her furbabies were her children and she loved them with her whole heart. Lara was also a gifted and talented artist, painting murals and bringing beautiful and creative art into homes, restaurants, stores and other businesses throughout the Shreveport/Bossier City area. Where others may see broken or tired cabinets, walls, ceilings and other areas, Lara saw promise, hope and beauty waiting to be discovered. She loved taking something old and worn down and giving it new life.

Lara is preceded in death by her father, Arthur Garza and stepfather, Bobby Hendrickson. She is survived by her loving husband, James "JR" Marks and her furbabies, Bumby, Megan, Buddy, PupUp, Mongo, Rihanna, Sasha, and Smokey. She is also survived by her mother, Middie Hendrickson, her sister, Shari Wolfe, her sister-in-law, Lou Roth, and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank the ICU 5 ^th floor of Ochsner LSU Health for their compassion and care.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm at Landmark Baptist Church, 1595 US-171, Stonewall, LA, on Saturday, November 19, 2022. In lieu of flowers, because Lara had a deep love for animals, please make a donation to a pet shelter of your choice in Lara's name.