Obituaries

RAPHAEL “MR. RAY” AUCOIN
August 27, 1940 – February 26, 2021

MAMOU – Graveside services celebrating the life of Raphael Aucoin were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021, at the Evangeline Memorial Park Cemetery in Ville Platte.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Mamou was in charge of arrangements.
The family requested that visitation be observed at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Mamou on Sunday, February 28, 2021, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. A Rosary was recited in his honor at 6 p.m. Visitation resumed on Monday, March 1, 2021, from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Ray (as he was affectionately known) 80, of Mamou, passed from this life on Friday, February 26, 2021. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a beloved coach and educator. Mr. Ray taught one year at Pine Prairie High School and 25 plus years in Mamou. He loved traveling, gardening, LSU football, cooking, and spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be missed dearly.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 57 years, Margie; sons, Mark (Tina) of Pine Prairie and Bruce (Karen) of Washington; daughters, Lisa Wedlock (Rogers) of Chataignier and Lori Ardoin (Richard) of Alexandria; grandchildren, Erika Fontenot, Kelly Dunagan, Maegan d’Autremont, Bryan Aucoin, Andrew Ardoin, Blake and Katie Aucoin, Cammie and Carley Ardoin, five great-grandchildren, one sister Betty Guillory (Robert) of Ville Platte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mr. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Jules and Alina; brother, Burke; sisters, Mildred Camp, Melba Fontenot, and Nettie Brown; and grandson, Brad Wedlock.
Family and friends may leave condolences for the family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

BETTY DUPRE FONTENOT
February 20, 1935 – February 25, 2021

VILLE PLATTE – Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Monday, March 1, 2021, for Betty Dupre Fontenot, 86, who passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021, in Baton Rouge.
Burial took place in St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Plaisance under the direction of Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte.
At the request of the family, a visitation was held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte on Monday, March 1, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m. and until time of service.
She was a loving and caring born-again Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a great-great-grandmother.
She will be missed by her daughter, Jackie Alexander of Prairieville; son, William Carl Fontenot of French Settlement; brothers, James Dupre of Ville Platte, Steve Dupre of Lacombe, Winton Dupre of New Orleans, and Alvin Dupre of Opelousas; sisters, Ruth Bernard of New Iberia and Janelle Gorecki of Mandeville; five grandchildren, Rebecca Fontenot, Elizabeth Branch, Michael Alexander, Steven Alexander, and Fernando Fontenot Sr.; 13 great grandchildren, Devin Lachney, Hannah Lachney, Chance Fontenot, Maci Alexander, Riley Alexander, Juliet Branch, Haley Branch, Allie Alexander, Abbie Alexander, Gavin Alexander, Laih Fontenot, Paisley Fontenot, and Fernando Fontenot Jr.; two great-great grandchildren, Mia Lachney and Rayah Lachney; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Rosalie Gay Dupre; husband, Joseph Fontenot; brother, Roy Dupre; and sisters, Octavia Boudreaux and Georgiana Bellow.
Family and friends may leave condolences for the family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

DONALD RAY LADAY
August 27, 1954 – February 13, 2021

Funeral services for Mr. Donald Ray Laday were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at New Zion Baptist Church, Eunice. Mr. Laday, 66, of Eunice, entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Opelousas General Hospital.
Pastor Allen W. Ben officiated.
Interment followed in Honey Bee Cemetery, Eunice, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.

BETTIE JANICE MILLER
February 12, 1935 – February 25, 2021

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Mrs. Bettie Mae Janice Miller at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Scott. Bettie was called to Heaven at the age of 86 on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at her residence in Scott surrounded by her family.
Reverend Mark Derise, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Scott, conducted the funeral services, and Deacon Ben Soileau performed the graveside service.
The family requested that visitation was private due to COVID-19, and, out of concern for the families well being, we regret to announce that the funeral has already taken place. Thank you for understanding during this unprecedented time, and you are invited to pray a Rosary in Mrs. Bettie’s name.
Interment was held in Evangeline Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Ville Platte under the direction of Martin and Castille Funeral Home of Scott.
Bettie Mae Janice Miller was born in Gold Dust on February 12, 1935. To her husband of almost 70 years, she was his “Whiteville Girl,” and together they loved exploring our beautiful country that she loved so much. To her children, she provided unconditional love and exemplified what it meant to live a life as a faithful follower of the Lord with a profound love of the Bible and a daily devotion to praying the Rosary. To her siblings, nieces, and nephews, she was a favorite sister and fun-loving aunt. She lived a life full of love and laughter that she shared with her family and friends. God blessed her with many talents such as growing a beautiful garden, being a gifted seamstress and painting beautiful paintings which reflected her Cajun French heritage. Her favorite things were her weekly visits with her sisters, brother, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her presence will be missed, but the blessings she left us will never leave us.
Survivors include her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Bert Miller; her sons, John D. Miller and his wife, Rose Mary, and James D. Miller and his wife, Jodi G.; her daughters, Ellen M. Grantham and her husband, Eric, and Lynn M. Gremillion and her husband, Bryan; her grandchildren, Benjamin P. Miller, John M. Miller, Joseph M. Miller, Jake Elliot Miller, Quinton James Miller, Meagan Marie Miller, Jonathan Grantham, Bryan Scott Gremillion, and Laura Allison Oliver; her great-grandchildren, Cole, Case, William, Ella, John Luke, Marty, Parker, Corben, Fiona, Jefferson, Brooklyn, and Luke; her sister, Annie Jean Fontenot; and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alphonse and Philomene Higgonbotham Janice; her great-granchildren, Paul Vincent Miller and Blaire Oliver; her sisters, Theresa Doucet, Irene Richard, Lillian Delafosse, and Cecile Mequet; and her brother, Paul Janice.
Pallbearers were Benjamin Paul Miller, Bryan Scott Gremillion, John Michael Miller, Joseph Mark Miller, Jonathan Grantham, Jake Elliot Miller, and Quinton James Miller.
Memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Miller’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org, and to The Desormeaux Foundation, https://desormeauxfoundation.org
A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Miller family to Evangeline Home Health and the nurses, staff and doctors of Hope Hospice for their kindness and compassion given to Mrs. Miller and her family during their time of need. Also, a very special thanks to all of you who have called and expressed condolences to our family.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.

PATTY RUTH FONTENOT
August 14, 1946 – February 28, 2021

VILLE PLATTE – Patty Ruth Fontenot, RN, PA, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully February 28, 2021, age 74, surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church which was officiated by the Very Reverend Thomas Voorhies.
Visitation was held at LaVille Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 6 p.m. Visitation resumed again Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 10 a.m.
A devout Catholic, born and raised in Ville Platte, Ruth was known for her joyful smile and infectious laugh.
As a member of Sacred Heart Church, she served her community and the Lord as a Eucharistic minister, Adoration attendee, and Come Lord Jesus member.
Ruth was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School where she met her life-long sweetheart, David. Their marriage of 54 years was the bedrock of her life and an inspiration for their children and grandchildren.
Ruth graduated from Our Lady of the Lake Nursing School in Baton Rouge as a registered nurse in 1966 and shortly after became a physician’s assistant. During her 45-year career, which was dedicated to the care of others, she worked at Savoy Hospital in Mamou with Dr. Frank Savoy and at Dr. Finley’s ENT practice in Opelousas.
A few of life’s pleasures that brought her joy were watching Saints football, listening to Elvis sing, traveling with friends and family, playing the slot machines, and baking sweet-dough pies. She had an exuberance for living life and having fun.
Her most joyous moments were creating a warm and loving home, a safe haven for her family. Her heart belonged to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Ruth was loved by all who came to know her for her kindness, generosity, and loving spirit. She will be missed and long remembered for the joy she brought to the world every day.
Ruth is survived by her beloved husband, David; her mother-in-law, Rose Pitre; her children, Paul Fontenot and wife, Nancy, Doug Fontenot and significant other, Danielle Bernard, and Holly Umfrid and husband, Scott; her son-in-law, Jonathon Brunet; her brother, Max Fontenot; her sisters, Jane Guillory and Elaine Soileau and husband, Gene; her grandchildren, Courtney Fosberg and husband Carl, Maverick Fontenot and wife Brittany, Cameron Reed, Sabrina Ardoin and husband Chase, Lily Frances Fontenot, Sydney Reed, Abby Gail Fontenot, Emmie Fontenot, Alyse Brunet, Noah Brunet, and Carson Bernard; her great-granddaughter, Addilyn Josephine Fontenot; her goddaughters, Jenny Beauregard and Lisa McDaniel; a host of nieces and nephews; and her dearest friend Mrs. Wilda Veillon, all whom she loved.
Ruth is predeceased by her daughter, Lesley Brunet; her parents, Wilson and Panney Fontenot; her sister, Loretta Berthelot; and her brother, Frankie Fontenot.
Many sincere thanks to family, friends, and neighbors near and far for their outpouring of sympathy, for their gifts of cards and food, and for their uplifting of prayers. As an expression of sympathy, memorial masses may offered.

JAMES MERVIN MCCAULEY
April 26, 1955 – February 26, 2021

VILLE PLATTE – It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family of James Mervin McCauley announces his passing on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the age of 65. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Our Lady, of Queen of All Saints Church.
Father Mitch Guidry officiated the funeral Mass.
Burial followed in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery under the direction of LaVille Funeral Home.
At the request of the family, visitation was held at LaVille Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, from 10 a.m. until the time of services with a rosary being recited at 1 p.m.
He was a resident of Ville Platte, spent most of his life taking care of others as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), loved visiting with family and friends, and was a special Poppie to his grandchildren.
He will be missed by his two daughters, Averie Lauren McCauley and husband, Cullen B. Jones, of New Orleans, and Natalie McCauley Payne and husband, Andrew Payne Jr. of Ville Platte; his five grandchildren, Liam Andrew Payne, Amelie Hope Payne, Emmett James Payne, Anna Grace Payne, and Nora Elise Payne, all of Ville Platte; one sister, Cindy Elkins of Ville Platte; and significant other, Vickie Reed.
He now rests in peace with his father, Jones Ervin McCauley; mother, Marie Louvelle Faul McCauley Bourque; step-father, James Albert Bourque; sisters, Joan Evette McCauley and Frieda McCauley; and brother, John Todd Bourque.
The guestbook can be signed online at www.lavillefuneralhome.net.

BARBARA FONTENOT VIDRINE
March 28, 1954 – February 24, 2021

BAYOU CHICOT – Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara Fontenot Vidrine, 66, were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021, in the LaVille Funeral Home Chapel. Barbara, a resident of Bayou Chicot, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at her residence.
Burial followed in the Addison Johnson Cemetery under the direction of LaVille Funeral Home.
Visitation was held Sunday, February 28, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. with a Rosary being recited at 4 p.m. and resumed again Monday, March 1, 2021. at 9 a.m.
She leaves behind her loving family, husband, Kent Vidrine of Bayou Chicot; mother, Aleida Fontenot of Bayou Chicot; son, Kevin Paul Tate and wife, Laine, of Pine Prairie; daughter, Amanda Lynn Granger and husband, Joseph, of Mamou; step-daughters, Candice Brook Bourque and husband, Randy, of Pine Prairie, Bridgett Brunet, of Ville Platte, Tammy Renee Vidrine, of New Iberia, and Miranda Vidrine, of Ville Platte; brothers, Marvin Fontenot and wife, Jan, David Fontenot and wife, Tina, both of Bayou Chicot, Larry Fontenot and wife, Pam, of St. Landry, and Stanley Fontenot and wife, Julie, of Pine Prairie; sisters, Shirley Captain of Houston, Patsy Ortego and husband, Wayne, of Bayou Chicot, Diana Cloud and husband, Donnie, of Turkey Creek; grandchildren, Steven Tate, Kaylie Granger, Sara Tate, Ryan Tate, Devin Rodriguez, Cassie Gradney, and Destanie Simmons; step-grandchildren Randi Bourque, Hannah Bourque, Lilli Bourque, Jobe Brunet, Brock Thrasher, Brett Thrasher, Toby Thrasher, Ryland Vidrine, Kelli Vidrine, Skylier Fontenot, Greg Fontenot, and Abigail Fontenot.
She is preceded in death by her father, Ement Fontenot; niece, Nikki Nicole Marie Fontenot; brother, Norman Lee Fontenot; stepson, Brian Kent Vidrine; and step granddaughter, Dariane Vidrine.

WEDNA DESHOTELS
August 18, 1926 – February 26, 2021

MAMOU- Funeral services will be held at a 2:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Mamou today, March 4, 2021, for Wedna Deshotels, 94, who passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, in Mamou. The world lost one of its greatest lovers and Mamou lost its greatest tease. Mrs. Wedna died in the company of her loving granddaughter Camille at Savoy Memorial Hospital and passed peacefully holding the hand of her most cherished of family.
Father Rayapati Bala, associate pastor of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, will be celebrant of the Mass and will conduct funeral services.
Entombment will take place in the New St. Ann’s Mausoleum under the direction of Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Mamou.
It is with great sorrow that we invite her family and friends to share one last memory with Mrs. Wedna. We will join at Ardoin’s Funeral Home today, March 4, from 10 a.m. until time of services to wish our beloved mom, mawmaw, nan, tante, and friend good-bye. A Rosary will be recited at 11 a.m.
Mrs. Wedna owned and operated her beauty shop in Mamou for over 50 years, working into her 80’s. She was the “Queen of the Hair Tease” so she enjoyed a following of customers who counted on her skill until she could no longer provide her services. She treated work like everything else in her life, with love and devotion. Mrs. Wedna was a person who loved out loud; she was passionate about family, food, fashion, and friends often mixing all to together like any great Cajun cook knows to do.
Mrs. Wedna lived for time with her family which extended far beyond her immediate family; she was a beloved aunt, great aunt, sister-in-law, and cousin who was cherished by all. She was that fun loving member of the family who always showed up to share in their lives. Mrs. Wedna has impacted generations of her family and left an indelible mark on her community.
Mrs. Wedna will be remembered for all the ways she loved life and her willingness to share her love with others. No one was a stranger to Mrs. Wedna, and no experience was not worth having. She was a woman who blazed a beautiful trail through life leaving us all with loving and colorful memories. Nothing gave her more purpose than pleasing other people, this selfless attitude led to success in her business and her personal life. She was always the person we could count on to be there for support, whether we needed to talk, eat, dance, sing or clean she was there to share in the experience.
Mrs. Wedna is survived by her sons, Ted Deshotels and daughter-in-law, Janet Deshotels, of Tampa, Florida, and Kurt Deshotels and daughter-in-law, Rachelle Deshotels, of Breaux Bridge. She was a devoted grandmother to Jeremy Deshotels and his wife, Christen Deshotels, Beau Deshotels and his wife, Carina Deshotels, Nicole Deshotels, Rachelle Deshotels Garcia and her husband, Matthew Garcia, and Camille Deshotels whom she loved like the daughter she never had. Mrs. Wedna continued her heritage of love in our latest generation, her great grandchildren whom she loved to hold and spoil. Her great-grandchildren are Landon Deshotels, Andrew Deshotels, McKenzie Deshotels, Ethan Deshotels, Audrianna Garcia, Eloisa Garcia, and Aurelia Garcia.
Mrs. Wedna was proceeded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Mr. Edward Deshotels; and her son, Todd Deshotels. She was a loving daughter to Octave and Olenor Landreneau and cherished sister to Elay Landreneau, Geneieve Landreneau Vidrine, Rena Landreneau Saucier, Matile Landreneau Prejean, Mabel Landreneau, and Aldes Landreneau. Mrs. Wedna was the baby of the family and the last to pass away; she could be heard telling stories of her family and regaling in wonderful memories until her last days.
Family and friends may leave condolences for the Deshotels family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

JAMES BLAKE “JIM” SHIPP JR.
August 14, 1951 – February 23, 2021

VILLE PLATTE – Funeral services for James Blake “Jim” Shipp Jr., 69, were held at 12 p.m. on February 27, 2021, at the Chapel of the Resurrection Church in Whiteville. Mr. Shipp, a resident of Ville Platte, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at his residence.
A visitation began in the church at 9 a.m. until the time of services with a Rosary recited at 11 a.m.
LaVille Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 50 years, Brenda Savant Shipp, of Ville Platte; children, Daniel James Shipp and fiancé, Kellie Fruge, of Arnaudville, Hope Fontenot and husband, Ryan, of Kingwood, Texas, Kevin Shipp and wife, Danielle, of Ville Platte, Heather Perritt and husband, Lawrence, of St. Joseph; sisters, Martha Miller and husband, Keith, Paula DeShetler and husband, Scott of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Julie Darbonne and husband, Randy of Kingwood, Texas, and Rosemary Benoit and husband, Ben, of Lafayette; grandchildren Bevan Dupre and wife, Heather, Seth Shipp, Logan Shipp, Lyndsey Fontenot, Caroline Dupre, Cody Shipp, Lauren Shipp, Gabrielle Fontenot, Abigail Dupre, and Ellis Shipp; step-grandchildren, Allen Perritt, Adam Perritt, and Alexandra Perritt; great -granddaughter Hadley Dupre; and step-great-grandchildren, Rhett Perritt and Jace Perritt.
He is preceded in death by his son, Christopher L. Shipp, parents, James Blake Shipp Sr. and Beverly Veillon Burnham; and sister, Susan Lafleur.
The guestbook can be signed online at www.lavillefuneralhome.net.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Our Lady of The Oaks Retreat House, P.O. Drawer D, Grand Coteau, LA 70541.