March 2005 Obituaries

Wilfred Mouton Sr.
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church for Wilfred Mouton Sr., 81, who died Friday, March 11, 2005 at the American Legion Hospital.
Father Richard Sadlier will officiate for the services. Burial will be in the Rayne Protestant Cemetery. Visiting hours will be observed Saturday at 8 a.m. until time of service.
Survivors include his daughters, Helen M. Moore, Versa M. Winn, Sherra M. Charles and Jacqueline M. Montgomery, all of Crowley, Rose M. Mouton and Glen Dale Mouton, both of Houston, Angel M. Thornton of Beaumont, Texas and Cosandra M. Mouton of Lafayette; his sons, Romel Mouton of Port Author, Texas and Wilfred Mouton Jr. of Crowley; 18 grandchildren and 27 great-great grandchildren.
Special thanks is offered by the family to the American Legion Hospital and staff, Crowley Rehab Center and all doctors who helped Mr. Mouton.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Owen-Thomas Funeral Home.

CROWLEY – Odi Hebert, 86, died Saturday, March 12, 2005 at American Legion Hospital. Funeral services were held Monday, March 14. Burial was in the Woodlawn Mausoleum under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home.

Marie L. Dupuis
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Marie L. “Mary” Dupuis, 62, who died Sunday, March 13, 2005 at her residence.
Father Thomas Habetz will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visiting hours began Monday at 3 p.m. and continue until time of service Tuesday.
Survivors include her ex-husband, Adolph Dupuis of Crowley; six sons, Tim Noel of Lafayette, LeRoy and Mona Dupuis of Crowley, Jody and Sam Dupuis of Crowley, Chris and Malessa Dupuis of Egan, Malcolm and Kyla Dupuis, Tyson Dupuis and fiancee Rashelle Regan of Crowley; one daughter, Donna and Edward Dartez of Crowley; her mother, Lillian Meche Lavergne of Mamou; five brothers, Alton Lavergne, Kermit Lavergne and Curtis McGee, all of Mamou and Junior Lavergne and Ricky McGee, both of Pine Prairie; four sisters, Mickey Gautreaux and Rita McGee, both of Mamou, Ramona Lavergne of Pine Prairie and Betty Richard of Church Point; 17 grandchildren and six step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Lavergne Sr.; one brother, Oliver Lavergne and one daughter, Tina Noel.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

Laura Duhon Savoie
CROWLEY – Funeral services were held Monday, March 14 at 1 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for Laura Duhon Savoie, 78, who died Sunday, March 13, 2005 at Lafayette General Hospital.
Father Rusty Richard officiated the services. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation began at 7 p.m. Sunday and lasted until time of service Monday.
Survivors include one daughter, Brenda Bourque of Duson; two brothers, Lawrence Duhon of Crowley and Eugene Duhon of Rayne; one sister, Theresa Pormier of Kaplan; seven grandchildren, Michelle Schexnayder of Crowley, Joey Savoie of Church Point, Phyllis Savoie of Arkansas, D’nisha Babin of Thibodaux, Kendra Trahan of Duson, Keisha Gardner of Bunkie and Kasey Bourque of Duson, 13 great-great grandchildren and a companion, William Schexnayder of Crowley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie Savoie; her parents, John and Melize Menard Duhon; siblings; one son, Jean Savoie and one great grandson, Aaron Savoie.
Arrangements were entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

RAYNE – Lorina Leger, 79, died Friday, March 11, 2005 at Lafayette General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 14 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home.

RAYNE – Betty Lou Marsh, 83, died Thursday, March 10, 2005 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Bluemont Cemetery in Grafton, W.Va. under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home.

RAYNE – Agnes Marie Boulet, 75, died Thursday, March 10, 2005 at the American Legion Hospital in Crowley. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2 under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home.

Evelyn Leger Regan
CROWLEY – Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for Evelyn Leger Regan, 56, who died March 10, 2005 at University Medical Center in Lafayette.
Fr. Rusty Richard officiated the services. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Bud Regan of Crowley; one daughter, Claudia R. Cormier of Mowata; two sons, Brian and Kentry Regan, both of Crowley; one sister, Lerline Meaux of Crowley; one brother, Emery Leger of Tennessee; and two grandsons, Rylee Regan and Brody Mouton.
Mrs. Regan was preceded in death by her parents, Emery and Claudia Guidry Leger.
Visitation was observed Friday from 9 a.m. to the time of service on Saturday.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley was in charge of arrangements.

James W. Doucet
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Monday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at. St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for James William Doucet, 76, a native of Iota and resident of Houma who died Thursday, March 10, 2005 at Terrebonne General Hospital in Houma.
Fr. Gary Schexnayder, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, will officiate for the services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Mausoleum. Visiting hours will be observed Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to service time. A rosary will be recited Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Survivors include his wife, Stella Zaunbrecher Doucet of Houma; four sons, Larry Doucet, Karl Doucet, Leonard Doucet and his wife Bonnie and John Doucet all of Houma; one daughter, Gwen D. Carlos of Houma; two sisters, Betty Gil and her husband Harvey of Eunice, Judy Breaux and her husband Roy of Port Neches, Texas; eight grandchildren, Christy Diggs and her husband Ricky, Brad, MiMi, Erik, Dustin and Jordan Doucet, Jayne and Spencer Engeron; two great grandchildren, Brittany and Brianna Diggs.
Mr. Doucet was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Attel Gay Doucet and one brother, Robert Doucet.
He was a graduate of McNeese State University, retired marketing sales representative for Exxon, a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a long time coach for Terrebonne Parish Recreation, Past Grand Knight for Knights of Columbus Council 1317 in Houma and a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home.

Catherine Hazel Alpha
LAFAYETTE – Funeral services will be held Monday, March 14 at a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian burial in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for Catherine Hazel Alpha, 94, who died, Friday, March 11, 2005 under the care of Hospice of Acadiana at Louisiana Extended Care Hospital.
Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Lafayette. The Reverend Monsignor Glen John Provost, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church will be the celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Con-celebrants will be Reverend Keith J. DeRouen, rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and Father Marshall Boulet, pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church of Elton.
The readings from the Old and New Testaments will be read by Francis M. Mouille. Giftbearers are Roselyn Harry and Mary Richard. Jodi Bollich, soloist, accompanied on the organ by Tom Niel, will sing for the services, “Panis Angelicus,” “Gift of Finest Wheat,” “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” “The Lord’s Prayer” and “On Eagles‚ Wings.”
Miss Alpha is survived by her godchild, Mrs. Naneen Credeur and her husband Raymond of Crowley; her cousins, Ted Breaux and his wife Noreen; Mary Richard and her husband John of Lafayette; Mrs. Van (Roselyn) Harry, II of Sulphur and many cousins on the Alpha and Doucet sides of her family; Francis Mouille and his wife Katherine, whom she thought of and loved as a son and daughter; and by many close friends with whom she laughed, traveled and formed life-long friendships which she held in the highest esteem.
Born October 14, 1910, Miss Alpha was a lifelong resident of Lafayette having lived in her family home all of her life. The daughter of the late Arelius James Alpha and Cecile Doucet. Miss Alpha was a graduate of Lafayette High School, received a B.S. degree from SLI, a masters degree from LSU and completed post-graduate studies at Columbia University and the University of Minnesota in home economics.
She taught in the Lafayette school system for 39 years and upon retirement began volunteer work in her church and community serving as a Pink Lady at Lafayette General Hospital until she was 91 years old, also with the Lafayette Tourist Center and the Louisiana Consumers League for a number of years.
Miss Alpha was a member of the Lafayette Parish Retired Teachers, Catholic Daughters Court Immaculata #503, St. John’s Altar Society, St. Anne Society and worked as a volunteer at St. John’s Museum and Gift Shop and the St. John Cathedral Cemetery office.
The recipient of many awards and accolades for home economics and volunteerism, the things she most cherished were her family and wonderful friends. She taught, traveled and treasured every moment of her life and everyone she met along the long journey. Miss Alpha will be greatly missed, especially her wonderful optimism, her determination, her zany sense of humor and her friendship. It was a privilege to have known her. All of our lives have been made richer because Catherine Hazel Alpha lived.
A rosary will be recited for the repose of her soul on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Martin and Castille Funeral Home.
Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. Monday until time of services.
Pallbearers are Francis N. Mouille, Wayne Corne, Jack Patin, Richard E. Orgeron, Gerard St. Martin and Raymond Credeur. Honorary pallbearers are Doucet Coussan, John M. Richard, Eric Fincke and Riolan Coussan.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Hospice of Acadiana and Louisiana Extended Care Hospital for their compassionate care of Catherine Hazel.
Memorial contributions may be made in Catherine Alpha‚s name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70502.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin and Castille Funeral Home, Inc.

Mary Sonnier
CROWLEY – Funeral services were held Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Mary Sonnier, 83, who died Thursday, March 10, 2005 at her residence in Crowley.
Brother Cotton Benoit officiated for the services. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visiting hours were observed Friday at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include two sons, Bobby and wife Peggy Sonnier of Egan and Donald and wife Mary Sonnier of Palacious, Texas; three daughters, Shirley and husband Lawrence Schexneider of Morse, Betty Joyce Sonnier of Crowley and April and husband Ryan Touchet of Texas; two brothers, Joe Hanks of Texas and Johnny Hanks of North Carolina; one sister, Eunice Oncale of Texas; 16 grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Sonnier; one daughter, Emma Jean (Carol) Trahan; her parents, Felix and Elta Arabie Hanks; two brothers, Earl and Jimmy Hanks and three sisters, Agnes Burson, Inna Bachelor and Mable Credeur.
Arrangements were entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

Henry Purvis Carmouche Jr.
LAFAYETTE – A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12, at 10 a.m. for Henry Purvis Carmouche Jr., 74, at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Carmouche passed away Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005 at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Acadiana in Lafayette.
Interment will be in Fountain Memorial Cemetery here in Lafayette.
The Rev. John Deleeuw will conduct the service.
Mr. Carmouche attended S.L.I. in Lafayette and graduated from Tulane University in 1952. In his senior year he was elected by the faculty as judge of the Tulane Moot Court in recognition of his high scholarship. After receiving his law degree he was given his oath before the Supreme Court of the State, being sworn in as a member of the Louisiana State Bar.
Also, in 1952 Mr. Carmouche was assigned to duty in the USNR during the Korean Conflict and was attached with "Com Phib Gru One" as communication watch officer, assistant registration publication officer and information and education officer on the USS Eldorado AGI.
He was certified as trial counsel and defense counsel of the General Courts Martia of the Armed Forces of the United States. He also served as JAG officer at the Orange Texas Naval Base. Mr. Carmouche was an attorney here in Lafayette and practiced law with Mouton, Roy, Carmouche, and Bivins Law Firm.
He was past Commander of the Acadia Post 15, first president of the Crowley Jaycees and past president of the Rotary Club of Amite and was involved in many other activities.
His hobbies include caring for his beagles, hunting, fishing and golfing.
Mr. Carmouche is survived by his son, Henry Purvis Carmouche III of Houston; his daughter, Catherine Ann Staggs of Meridian,Miss.; two step-children, Jeanine Addison Rieche of Covington and David Addison of Frisco, Texas. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Carolyn Carmouche Crabtree, Claire Carmouche and Ryan Murphy; five step-grandchildren and one great granddaughter, Adrianna Crabtree. He is also survived by his former wives Joyce Carmouche Molbert and Kathleen Addison Carmouche.
He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret Ann Gill and H. Purvis Carmouche Sr.
Fountain Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Mansfield “Bobby” Bergeron
CROWLEY – Robert Mansfield “Bobby” Bergeron, 81, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, March 6, 2005 at his home in Crowley. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, at a Mass in Saint Michael's Catholic Church with internment following in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, March 8 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home and from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9. The Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 8. Memorials in memory of Mr. Bergeron may be given to Hospice of Acadiana and Saint Michael's Catholic Church.
A native of Crowley, Mr. Bergeron was born on May 30, 1923. He was married to the former Wanda Robicheaux of Crowley for 58 years and their union bore four daughters.
Mr. Bergeron was a long time Crowley Councilman for over 20 years and owner of Bergeron Texaco and Oil Bulk Dealership of Crowley. He retired from Texaco in 1986. He proudly served with the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II with the 65th Infantry Division. The United States Senate on June 11, 2001 recognized Mr. Bergeron and members of the 65th Division for exceptional dedication and courage to their country. The National D-Day Museum in New Orleans honored Mr. Bergeron with a Road to Victory tribute.
Paw-Paw, as his grandchildren affectionately called him, loved history, sports, hunting and fishing. His grandsons will cherish the many wonderful hunting and fishing trips and Paw-Paw's humorous stories.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield Anthony “Manny” Bergeron. His mother was the former Ruby Gill of Crowley.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda Robichaux Bergeron; daughters and sons-in-laws, Barbara and Stan Finley of Macon, Ga., Janet and Paris Theriot of Golden Meadow, Paula and Ron Wilson of Spring, Texas and Cecile and Billy Tauzin of Arlington, Va.; sister, Betty Gay Clark of Lake Charles; grandsons, John Finley of Lafayette, Nolty Theriot of Washington, D.C., Robert Theriot of Destin, Fla., Tyler Wilson of Spring, Texas; granddaughter, Monique Wilson of Houston; great granddaughter, Isabella Lowe Theriot of Washington, D.C.
Pallbearers will be the four sons-in-law and four grandsons: Stan Finley, John Finley, Paris Theriot, Nolty Theriot, Robert Theriot, Ron Wilson, Tyler Wilson and Billy Tauzin.
Honorary Pallbearers will be B.I. Moody, Dr. T. L. McNeely, The Honorable Don Aaron, Floyd Trahan, Earl Babineaux, Charles Chappuis, Donald Clark and Jack Lambert.

Vinice Miller Sensat
IOTA – Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 8 at 1 p.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Iota for Vinice Mathilda Miller Sensat, 88, who died Saturday March 5, at American Legion Hospital in Jennings.
The family requests that visitation be observed at Saint Joseph Catholic Church beginning at 10 a.m., Tuesday with a rosary recited at 11 a.m. Fr. David Broussard will officiate for the services.
Mrs. Sensat was endeared to her family and friends because of her quick wit and ready sense of humor, gentle and affectionate nature, love for cooking, canning, gardening, and of course, her gifted sewing and quilting skills. The quilts she created leave a legacy of love to those whose lives she touched with her artistry, talent and stitches of love.
Ms. Vinice was a life long resident of Iota and a supporter of St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Francis School. She was greatly loved and respected by all who encountered her and will be deeply missed, forever loved and honored by all.
She is survived by her sons, Joseph “Ray” Sensat and wife Ann Sensat of Moss Bluff and Warren Sensat and wife Ginger Sensat of Scott; sister, Ruby Bergeaux of Tee Mamou; brother, Rufus Miller of Iota; four grandchildren, Carla Partain, Tim Sensat, Mary Beth Daigle and Clinton Sensat; six great grandchildren, Timothy Joseph Sensat, Tyler Sensat, Owen Daigle, Cassie Partain, Daniel “Marc” Partain and Trenton Jefferson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wilfred M. Sensat; two children, Richard and Gloria Sensat; her parents, Leopold and Mariette Miller; sisters, Mabel, Nettie, Lorena, Virginia, Hazel and Juanita; brothers, Grant and Lao.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iota or St. Francis Catholic School, Iota.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home.

JENNINGS – Jimmie McNeal, 81, died Sunday, March 6 at the American Legion Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Iota Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home.

Rita Trahan Privat
RAYNE – Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Gossen Funeral Home Chapel for Rita Trahan Privat, 80, who died Sunday, March 6, 2005 at 7:30 a.m. at Lafayette General Medical Center.
Fr. Buddy Breaux, associate pastor for St. Joseph Catholic Church, will officiate for the services. Visiting hours will be observed from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to service time Tuesday. A rosary was recited Monday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery #2 in Rayne.
Survivors include two sisters, Evelyn T. “Red” Istre of Crowley and Patricia T. “Pat” Schneider and her husband Ray of Roberts Cove; brother, R. C. Trahan and his wife Maxie of Tucker, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Mary S. Trahan of Crowley and Julie P. Ousse of Lafayette; 25 nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Privat was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony S. “Tony” Privat; her parents, Calise and Amy Simon Trahan; one sister, Ruby M. “Nannie” Trahan and one brother, Glady J. Trahan; two nieces, Amy Rene’ Trahan and Miia Aline Trahan; two great nieces, Rosalind Trahan and Bonnie Grace Morgan Schneider; and one great-nephew, Gerard Hains.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Istre, John Trahan, Butch Ousse, Emile Trahan, Peter Trahan and Jude Schneider.
The family request memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503-3240.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, 504 North Polk, Rayne, 337-334-3141.

Hilda Ratliff
ALEXANDRIA – Services for Hilda Middlebrooks Ratliff will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 5 in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers with Bob Vincent officiating. Burial will be in Maxie Methodist Cemetery, near Eunice.
Mrs. Ratliff, 78, of Alexandria died Thursday, March 3, 2005 in Annie Mae Mathews Nursing Home, Alexandria.
“Miss Tot” was born December 9, 1926 in Sulphur and was raised in Crowley. She was co-founder and director of Community Christian Concern, a ministry to the needy of Slidell. She helped establish the Food Pantry at Homewood Baptist Church, where she was a member. She also organized and served as an officer in the Cenla Daylily Society. She cultivated hundreds of daylilies in her yard.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Alice Stakes Middlebrooks and siblings, Amy Lou Middlebrooks Robideaux and Lowell Hadley Middlebrooks; granddaughter, Monique Hodgson.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Theo Franklin Ratliff of Alexandria; her son, Edward George Ratliff and his wife Christy of Alexandria; daughter, Lynn Nell Shimek and her husband Harvey of Alvin, Texas; her brother, Berlin Ira Middlebrooks and his wife Beth of Yuma, Ariz.; six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Friends may call Saturday at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria from 8 a.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to Community Christian Concern, 2228 Second Street, Slidell, LA 70458 or to the Food Pantry of Homewood Baptist Church, 28 Tennessee Ave., Alexandria, LA 71301.
To extend online condolences to the Ratliff family, please visit us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.

MOBILE, ALA. – William A. Brewer, 86, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 at the University of South Alabama Medical Center. He was a former resident of Crowley. There were no funeral services per request of the deceased. Pine Crest Funeral Home handled the cremation. His ashes were spread over Daulphin Island, Ala.

Ovey Smith, Jr.
TOLEDO BEND - Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 6, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel for Ovey Smith, Jr., 61, who died Friday, March 4, 2005 at his home in Toledo Bend. Burial will be in the St. Anne Mausoleum in Youngsville. Visitation will be today from 9 a.m.
Survivors include his wife, Norma Smith of Toledo bend; three daughters, Melissia Romero of Great Falls, Montana, Monique and Joe Lillie of Frisco, Texas and Melanie Smith of Toledo Bend; two brothers, Howard and Betty Smith of Crowley and Jessie and Cindy Meyers of Crowley; his mother-in-law Rosa Mae Duplechin of Toledo Bend and three grandchildren Keisha Futch and Kristin Smith both of Toledo Bend and Nathan Lillie of Frisco, Texas.
Ovey is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Hoffpauir Smith and Ovey Smith, Sr., and one brother, Eugene Smith.
He worked all his life in the oil industry and became part-owner of Timco before retiring to Toledo Bend. He always wanted to retire to Toledo Bend where he could fish and hunt to his heart’s content.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law and friend to many. He will be sadly missed.
Pallbearers are Joe Lillie, Mike Morrow, Chad Meyers, Barry Carter, Charles Smith, Kisha Futch, Rene Judice and Jimmy Doucet. Honorary pallbearers will be Jessie Meyers, Howard Smith and John Dever.
Duhon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carrie Mary Sensat
CROWLEY - Funeral services will be held Monday, March 7, 2005 at 10 a.m. for Carrie Mary Sensat, 86, who died Saturday, March 5, 2005 at 10:42 a.m. in Crowley.
Fr. Gary Schexnayder, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, will officiate for the services. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Iota. The family requests visiting hours be observed Sunday from 2 p.m. 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until time of services. A rosary will be recited Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Survivors include one sister, Mae S. Doucet of Crowley; two brothers, Nolan Sensat of Egan and Elmer Sensat and his wife Sally of Lafayette; numerous nieces and nephews.
Ms. Sensat was preceded in death by her parents, Orcade Pierre and Eva Doucet Sensat; one sister, Mildred Sensat; three brothers, Howard, Charlie and Melvin Sensat.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, 337-783-3313, www.geesey-ferguson.com.

Gertha Lou Leger Heinen
RAYNE – Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 4 at a Mass of Christian burial in St. Leo Catholic Church in Roberts Cove for Gertha Lou Leger Heinen, 82, who died Thursday, March 3, 2005 in Acadia-St. Landry Nursing Home in Church Point. Interment will be in St. Leo Cemetery.
Survivors include eight children and their spouses, John Heinen Jr. and wife Jeanette of Rayne, William Heinen and wife Jean of Welsh, Barry Heinen and wife Kathleen, of Lafayette, Sheri Hanley and husband Pat of Welsh, Debra Higginbotham and husband Elliot of Rayne, Paul Heinen and wife Patricia of Lake Charles, Keith Heinen and wife Diana of Mamou, Sandra Lavergne and husband Bradley of Crowley; one brother, Avery Leger of Rayne; 26 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Heinen Sr.; her parents, Leona Constantin Leger and Lexa Leger; six brothers, Elie Leger, Clifton Leger, Oris P. Leger, Dudley Leger, Merton Leger and Robert E. Leger; three sisters, Amy Leger Braquet, Racie Leger Darce and Iris Leger Tompkins.
“Gert” Heinen was a resident of Roberts Cove and Rayne for most of her life. She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Rayne and was a past member of the Rayne Ladies Altar Society. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Alzheiemer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633, phone number (800)272-3900, or online at www.alz.org..
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Visiting hours be observed Friday from 8 a.m. until service time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home Inc.

JENNINGS – Clifton Ray Moore, 53, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 at Lafayette General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 4 at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel.

CROWLEY – Hulon Anthony William Jr., 55, died Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5 at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Burial will be in the South Crowley Cemetery under the direction of Syrie Funeral Home of Lafayette.

JENNINGS – Zelphie Marie Decker, 83, died Wednesday, March 2 at Jeff Davis Living Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 4 at Miller French Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Church Point.

Jennifer Louise Herring
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at Saint Michael's Catholic Church for Jennifer Louise Herring, 30, who died March 2, 2005 in Lafayette.
Fr. Gary Schexnayder, pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church will celebrate the Mass of Christian burial. A rosary will be prayed Friday evening.
Burial will be in the Woodlawn Mausoleum.
She is survived by her mother, Deborah Herring; her father, Brian Herring; three sons, Blake Herring, Chase Herring and Jonte' Plowden; one daughter, Makenzie Herring; her maternal grandparents, Claude and Mildred Stutes Richard of Crowley; her paternal grandmother, Joycelyn Aube Herring and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Jeffery Herring and her paternal grandfather, Earl Herring,
Visitation will be observed Friday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the time of services.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley will be in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Mae Laughlin Cormier
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Nancy Mae Laughlin Cormier, 87, who died March 2, 2005 in Crowley.
Rev. Loyd Singley will be officiating for the services and burial will follow in the Abshire Cemetery.
She is survived by four daughters, Lois Cormier of Crowley, Joyce Chism and her husband Robert of Alexandria, Thelma Cormier of Crowley and Shirley Morgan and her husband Roger of Crowley; one son, Moise Cormier and his wife Paula of Macalister, Okla.; 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Cormier was preceded in death by her parents, George and Azalce Credeur Laughlin; her husband, Curley Cormier; three sisters, Vida Kibodeaux, Bessie Laughlin, Erma Kibodeaux; one brother, Jessie Laughlin and a longtime companion, Wilson Guidry.
Visitation will be observed Friday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the time of funeral.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley will be in charge of arrangements.

Clay E. Pryor
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 4 at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley for Clay E. Pryor, 64, who died March 1, 2005 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Rev. Truman Stagg will be officiating for the services.
He is survived by three sons, Terry Roy of Crowley, Lonnie Pryor of Des Moines, Idaho, and Christopher Lee of Slidell; three daughters, Dhana Pryor of Des Moines, Stormy Pryor of Virginia, and Falon Pryor of Kaplan; four grandchildren, Christopher Roy, Amanda Roy, Kolby Pryor and Lindsay Pryor; one sister, Viola Guidry of Rayne and two brothers, Louis Pryor of Rayne and Johnny Pryor of Scott.
Mr. Pryor was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and May Pepper Pryor; one sister, Mary Baretta Thibodeaux and one brother, Horace Pryor.
Visitation will be observed Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley will be in charge of arrangements.

CROWLEY – Mae Ruth LeBlanc, 56, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 at the Crowley Guest House. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 at St. Theresa Church in Duson. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Duhon Funeral Home.

Elisha R. Robinson
JENNINGS – A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. at the Living Word Assembly of God Church for Elisha R. Robinson, 95, who died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005. Rev. Mitchell Gotte will officiate for the services.
Survivors include his wife, Gertrude Ford Robinson of Welsh; one daughter, Johnnye Rae Rotchford of East Brookfield, Mass.; one son, Lee R. Robinson of Jennings; two brothers, V.L. Robinson of Lake Arthur and Robert L. Roberson of Inverness, Fla.; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
He was a native of Evangeline, a resident of Roanoke/Welsh area since 1951 moving there from Jennings. He worked with the Boy Scouts in Roanoke. He was a long time rock hound having traveled extensively. He owned Robinson Radiator and Magneto Service and Robinson Water Well Service. He was a member of Living Word Assembly of God Church
Arrangements have been entrusted to Miguez Funeral Home.

Frances Thevis Melancon
RAYNE – Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 3 at a Mass of Christian burial in St. Leo Catholic Church for Frances Thevis Melancon, 85, who died Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 at the Rayne Guest Home. Interment will be in St. Leo Cemetery.
Survivors include one daughter, Mary M. Raine and husband Jack of Houston; one son, Russell Melancon and wife Mary of Roberts Cove; seven grandchildren, Sara Melancon, Aaron Melancon and wife Erin, Reed Melancon, Ethan Melancon, all of Roberts Cove, Wes Raine of Nashville, Tenn., Garrett Raine of Lafayette, Travis Raine of College Station, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonse Melancon; her parents, Peter Joseph Thevis and Mary Magdeline Theunissen Thevis; two sisters, Mary Thevis and Gertrude Habetz; eight brothers, Joe Thevis, Gerard Thevis, Daniel Thevis, Leonard Thevis, Martin Thevis, William Thevis, Peter Thevis and Theodore Thevis.
Mrs. Melancon was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters and St. Leo Ladies Altar Society.
The family would like Memorial donations be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Ste 200, Lafayette, La. 70503-3240.
A rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thursday.
Visiting hours will be observed from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday.
Pallbearers will be her six grandson, Wes Raine, Garrett Raine, Aaron Melancon, Travis Raine, Reed Melancon and Ethan Melancon. Honorary pallbearers will be Sara Melancon, Erin Melancon, JoAnn Thevis, Geraldine Dilly and Debbie Robinson.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home Inc.

Melissa Trahan Chavis
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 3 at 11 a.m. in Saint Michael's Chapel in Egan, for Melissa Trahan Chavis, 37, who died Sunday Feb. 27, 2005 in Richmond, Va.
Fr. David Broussard will celebrate the Mass of Christian burial and the committal services will be held in Sensat Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Survivors include her husband, Melvin Chavis of Virginia; her son, Shae Joseph Gotte of Virginia, her daughter, Missy Nichole Gotte of Biloxi, Miss., her mother, Geraldine Lejeune Trahan of Estherwood; her father, Robert Trahan Sr. of Egan; her maternal grandmother, Helen Akers of Egan; two brothers, Robert Trahan Jr. and his wife Loretta of Crowley and Rayford Trahan and his wife, Mona of Estherwood and six nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until time of services.
Duhon Funeral Home of Crowley has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Roy W. Keene
CROWLEY – Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 1 at 10 a.m. at Bible Missionary Church for Roy W. Keene, 82, who died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005 at his residence in Crowley.
Rev. Spencer Johnson will officiate for the services. Burial will be in the Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be observed Tuesday from 9 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his wife, Annette Faulk Keene of Crowley; two sons, Larry and wife Umorn Keene of Lake Charles and Timothy and Rhonda Keene of Lake Charles; two daughters, Linda And Jack Webb of Lafayette and Dianna and Terry Moore of Ragley; two grandsons, Jason Roy Keene and Timothy Scott Keene; five granddaughters, Angie Webb, Latosha Moore, Joanne Keene, Jessica Keene and Caitlin Keene; three great grandchildren, Sheila Keene, Jason Roy Thomas Keene, Jada Rayne Keene and two sisters, Opan Keene Simon of Lafayette and Marge Keene Krahe of Crowley
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clovelia and Henry Leland Keene; one sister, Sadie Keene and one brother, Leland Keene.
Mr. Keene attended school in Rayne, Crowley, Lafayette College, Colorado A&M and Sowela Tech. He loved art and took lessons locally as well as in college. He retired from Cities Services Refinery after 33 years of service. At night he taught school in Crowley and Lake Charles. He attended Bible Missionary Church and was active in the local church and made more than a dozen trips to Mission Fields as a troubleshooter for the young missionaries. He started a scholarship fund to help young men and women prepare themselves for mission work abroad. If anyone wants to contribute to Roy’s Scholarship fund in lieu of flowers, they can make it out to Rev. William Whited, who is in charge of the fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duhon Funeral Home.

Anna Belle Stelly
ABBEVILLE – Mrs. Dudley Stelly, the former Anna Belle Scalisi, 73, of Crowley, passed away Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005 at her residence.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, in Abbeville with Rev. Barry Crochet as the celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery.
Gift bearers will be her granddaughters, Leslie, Sarah, and Simone. The readings will be proclaimed by her godchild, Patricia Delcambre.
Born on August 4, 1931, in Abbeville, she is the daughter of Maurice and Josephine Tortamos Scalisi. Mrs. Stelly was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Crowley, St. Anne’s Chapel, and a former member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with her family.
Survivors include her husband, Dudley Stelly of Crowley; her sons, Gregory Stelly of Mauriceville, Texas, Matthew Stelly and wife Margaret of Jennings, Stephen Stelly and wife Janet of Crowley, and Patrick Stelly of Baton Rouge; her brothers, Bernard Scalisi, Marion Scalisi both of Abbeville, and Sammy Scalisi of China, Texas; her sisters, Catherine Autin of Lafayette and Mary Ann Fewell of Santa Barbara, Calif.; grandchildren, Leslie, Sarah, Loren, Jude, Simone, Alek and Matthew.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Jude Stelly; her brothers, Jerome and Anthony Scalisi; and a sister, Rose Thompson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Mount Carmel, PO Box 1160, Lacombe, LA. 70445-1160, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105-1942, or to the charity of your choice.
A gathering of family and friends was held Monday from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. at David Funeral Home, 2600 Charity Street, in Abbeville. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Monday. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 8 a.m. until time of service.
David Funeral Home, 893-3777, is in charge of the arrangements.

Crowley Post Signal • 602 North Parkerson Avenue • Crowley, LA
Ph: 337-783-3450 • Fax: 337-788-0949