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Juanita Istre Kelbaugh
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for Juanita Istre Kelbaugh, 80, who died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at 8:35 p.m. at her home in Crowley.
Fr. Brent Smith, parochial vicar of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, will officiate for the services.
The family requests visiting hours Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m.
Following the Mass of Christian Burial, Mrs. Kelbaugh will be cremated and her cremated remains will be buried in Thurmont, Maryland, next to her husband at a later date.
She is survived by two sons, Rule Kelbaugh and wife Peggy of Jacksonville, Florida, and Keeffer Kelbaugh and wife Claire of Rayne; five grandchildren, Anna Kelbaugh, Erin Kelbaugh, Kristen Kelbaugh, Andrus Kelbaugh and Keeffer Kelbaugh; two sisters, Lorita “Bootsie” Guidry of Lyons Point, and Sheila Arceneaux of Welsh.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling Kelbaugh; her parents, Henry and Anna David Istre; one sister, Helen Saucier; four brothers, Huey, Richard, James and Michael Istre.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F, Crowley, 337-783-3313.
Hubert O’brine Roberts
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church of Rayne for Hubert O’brine Roberts, who died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020.
Reverend Nathan T. Stevens will officiate, with interment at Community Garden Cemetery, Rayne.
Hubert was born on August 17, 2961 to the union of Oliver (Kiser) and Lillie B. Roberts, the youngest of eight children. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Carlton Frank at Starlight Baptist Church, Rayne.
A 1979 graduate of Rayne High School, Hubert then graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisisns (ULL). He worked as a QMRP for Normal Life in Lafayette for many years, and later at LARC, Tyler Institute and Southern Comfort until his health declined.
At an early age, Hubert began his love for the piano, assisting in his service as minister of music for his hometown at Starlight Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church and many other over the years. He also offered his musical gift for weddings and funerals.
He leaves to cherish his memories two siblings, Darrell Roebrts Sr. and Frances Bias, both of Rayne; two sister-in-law, Dora Senegal and Linda Roberts; one aunt, Eva Guillory of Texas City, Texas; one adopted mother, Alice Vector; special niece, Luciana Bias; two special great-nephews, Isaiah Bias and Issac Bias Jr., all of Rayne; best friend, Jude Cole of New Orleans; seven godchildren, Tarra Roberts, Danielle Roberts, Kenneth Eaglin, Laqueda Wiltz, Kyler Sinegal, Isaac Bias Jr. and Jamarcus Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Lillie B. Roberts; one sister, Mary Ann Boutte; four brothers, Oliver Roberts Jr., Rickey K. Senegal, Rony “Red” Roberts and Barry Roberts Sr.; and two special friends, Lerone Rubin and Dale Rubin.
The family of Hubert Roberts wishes to express their gratitude to Acadian Ambulance for their service and the Starlight Baptist Church family.
Funeral arrangements have be entrusted to Syrie Funeral Home, Inc., 1417 East Simcoe Street, Lafayette.
Dr. John C. Besse
ALABAMA - Graveside services will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East, Jefferson Memorial Gardens East, in Trussville, Alabama, for Dr. John C. Besse, 86, of Birmingham. He passed away peacefully at UAB Hospital on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Dr. Besse earned his PhD in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt University where he met his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Virginia Marie Besse. It was only by chance that this union occurred. Dr. Besse sought out achieving his PhD from Vanderbilt University while Virginia Marie Ozment was forced to go to Vanderbilt University because her father did not like her less than stellar grades from Georgetown University. After they married, Dr. Besse became employed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham as a Professor of Pharmacology where he taught for over 37 years and was elevated to Emeritus status.
He happened to be an avid LSU and Saints fan and he loved watching football games surrounded by family. He also served as a medic in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. He was a huge family man who loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an accomplished bowler and he played in many of the Birmingham leagues. He was a former President of the American Daylily Society and enjoyed traveling around the southeast as a garden judge.
He is preceded in death by his adoring wife of 41 years, Virginia Marie Besse, and his parents, Merlin Anthony and Helen Broussard Besse of Rayne.
He will be sorely missed and survived by his children, Nancy Besse Norred-Shanks (Burt), Helen Besse Smith (Edwin), John Kenneth Besse (Becky); grandchildren, Monica Marie Robinson, Bailey Anice Avina (Cesar), Kirsten Nichole Robinson, David Edward Norred Jr., Ashley Nicole Norred (Brad Thomas), Crawford Elizabeth Shanks, Courtney Lynn Norred, Emily Taylor Besse, Eric Anthony Besse, John Jackson Besse; great-grandchildren, Alesandra Iyana Avina, Analisa Rose Avina, Braxton Christopher Thomas, Wyatt James Valles, Grayson Isaac Robinson; and his beloved pet, Leo.
All whom loved him dearly will never forget his tenacity, wit, charm, grace, tact (when pertinent) and undying love.
Funeral services Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens of Trussville, Alabama is in charge of arrangements.
Christina “Tina” Berken Hornsby
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, during a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove for Christina "Tina" Berken Hornsby, 95, who died Sunday, Jan. 5, at The Carpenter House in Lafayette.
Interment will be in St. Leo IV Church Cemetery in Roberts Cove.
Rev. Aaron Melancon, Pastor of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Duson, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Christina “Tina” Berken Hornsby was a devout Catholic, having served as a parishioner of St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove and St. Edmond Catholic Church in Branch. She was a member of the St. Leo Altar Society, St. Edmond Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Lawrence Adoration Chapel, Neighborhood Rosary Group, St. Leo Church Choir, Home Demonstration Member and was a Eucharistic Minister for shut-ins in St. Leo Parish and Eucharistic Minister to the residents of Southwind Nursing Home. She also served as their Altar Preparer for masses and recited the rosary often with the residents. She was also a member of the Germanfest Choir, participating every year at the Germanfest in an effort to show her love for her German heritage.
Tina was the most loving, selfless, devout Catholic lady, and anyone you meet will say she was such a pillar of the St. Leo Catholic Church community and her presence will be missed forever. She was always willing to help anyone and everyone and up until the time of her death, was still praying with her rosary groups, attending mass as often as possible and always ready for an invite to go anywhere. She was fortunate to have so many loved ones (sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.), who were always inviting her to tag along with them on their outings. She never said no and always had that huge smile, laughing and enjoying every single minute!
Tina was an avid fan of Notre Dame football games and her beloved Astros baseball team. She was fortunate to attend practically every home game of the Notre Dame Pios being a season ticket holder, and was also fortunate to travel many times to Houston to watch the Astros play. Nothing kept this die hard fan from her Notre Dame football games or her Astros baseball games!
She was the most wonderful mother, having raised her eight children with kind , compassionate and loving ways, with her prayer book nearby and rosary in hand, always reminding them and making sure they knew the Lord. She had a special devotion to Mother Mary and we all know she is basking in the glory of our Lord at her eternal resting place with Mother Mary, all the Angels and Saints, and enjoying seeing all her loved ones who have passed before her.
Survivors include seven children, Gregory Hornsby and spouse Brenda of Lake Arthur, Cindy Hornsby Landry and spouse Kelly of Lafayette, Diana Hornsby Ronkartz and spouse Greg of Mowata, Larry Hornsby and spouse Sandra of Duson, Barry Hornsby and spouse Tammy of Lafayette, Jude Hornsby and spouse Monica of Lafayette, Wayne Hornsby and spouse Jody of Roberts Cove; 24 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Josephine Berken Thevis and Rita Berken Hoffpauir; two sisters-in-law, Marie T. Berken and Brenda B. Smith; and a brother-in-law, Jesse Harrington.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Everd Simon Hornsby; son, Anthony J. Hornsby; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Ardoin Hornsby; grandson, Timothy B. Hornsby; great-grandson, Collin Hornsby; parents, John Casper Berken and Thecla Thevis Berken; four brothers, Al Berken, Herman Berken, Vincent Berken and Reinie Berken; four sisters, Elizabeth Berken Klein, Angela Berken Leger, Mary Berken Harrington and Anne Louise Berken; four sisters-in-law, Shirley H. Larriviere, Marjorie H. Bajat, Elvina Berken and Leona B. Smaihall; and six brothers-in-law, Charlie Klein, Robert Leger, Anthony Thevis, Jesse Hoffpauir, George Larriviere and Antoine Bajot Jr..
A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 6:30 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne.
The family requests visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne on Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.
