PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from Acadia Parish, LA. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019, at a 3:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, for Patricia Anne Zaunbrecher, 88, who died Tuesday, March 19, at The Ellington Nursing Home in Rayne.
Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #1 in Rayne.
Rev. Kevin Bordelon, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Survivors include three nephews, Karl Bailey of Lafayette, David Bailey of Natchitoches, Wallace Ousse of Frederick, MD, four nieces, Barbara Carpenter Miller of Rayne, Kathleen Bailey Burk of Pensacola, FL, Helena Ousse Long of Kenner, Anne Ousse of Kaplan, five great nieces, Teresa Bailey Day of Baton Rouge, Brianna Bailey Megee of Hot Springs AR, Elizabeth Long Cormier of Lafayette, Stacy M. Miller of Rayne, Jennifer Ousse Seye of Baltimore, MD, Joseph Long of Kenner, Ryan L. Miller of Bossier City, Christopher Ousse of Frederick, MD.
She was preceded in death by father, Karl Zaunbrecher, Sr., mother, Helena Frey Zaunbrecher, five sisters, Stephanie Zaunbrecher, Theresa Zaunbrecher Bailey, Eleanor Zaunbrecher Ousse, Julia Zaunbrecher, Louise Zaunbercher Carpenter, five brothers, John Zaunbrecher, Karl Zaunbercher, Jr., Hubert Zaunbercher, Thomas Philip Zaunbrecher, Bernard Zaunbrecher, great nephew, David Karl Burk.
Ms. Zaunbrecher was a life long member of Rayne and was a school teacher with the Acadia Parish School Board teaching in Rayne until her retirement. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the Ladies Altar Society with St. Joseph and St. Leo Catholic Churches.
A Rosary will be prayed Friday, March 22, 2019 at 12:00 noon in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne LA.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne LA on Friday March 22, 2019 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.
The family would like to give a Special Thanks to Dr. D. Thomas Curtis, her long time caregivers Christine Breaux and Joella Lease for their compassion and kindness shown to her, and The Ellington Nursing Home Staff.
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.
RAYNE - The 47th annual Frog Festival will honor a Rayne native and long-time promoter of the annual festival and city.
Lisa Smith Soileaux, managing editor of The Rayne Acadian-Tribune, has been named Grand Marshal of the 2019 Frog Festival and will lead the festival’s Grand Parade on Thursday, May 9, according to an announcement by Jeremy Lavergne, president of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce and chairman of this year’s festival.
“I am surprised and very humbled by this honor,” said Soileaux. “Being named Grand Marshal of the Rayne Frog Festival – just to be considered among the impressive list of former Grand Marshals – is an honor and comes as a complete surprise.”
Soileaux continued, “I love our city and try to do whatever I can for the many programs and activities to promote and improve the Frog Capital. Whether presenting it’s rich history or making plans for the future, whatever is needed from me is what I do. That’s why this is such a surprise.”
Soileaux was nominated for this honor by Fran Bihm, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce and a former co-worker at The Rayne Acadian-Tribune.
“Lisa was born and raised in Rayne and loves her community,” Bihm wrote in her nomination letter. “She helps with many activities, assists any and all organizations with programs – local and parish – and does all she can to advance our city.”
Soileaux has assisted the OST City program, the Rayne Beautification Board and numerous other historical organizations that share Rayne’s history so that local residents can appreciate where they come from and where they’re going, according to Bihm.
“She has published numerous historical articles, sections and special editions during her quarter century at The Acadian-Tribune,” Bihm wrote. “She’s ensured that Rayne’s history, as well as the history of the frog industry that put Rayne on the international map, is remembered.”
Named managing editor of Acadian-Tribune just over a year ago, Soileaux has a combined 25 years of journalistic experience at the local newspaper. She has previously held the position of school reporter and photographer, Lifestyle editor, Sports editor (probably among the first females in the area with that title) and assistant news editor. Now she does it all.
In addition to a number of years on the coaching staff, Soileaux was a staff member for six years as Development Director and PE teacher at Rayne Catholic Elementary School. There, she also served as athletic director for 10 years, the first female AD at the school. While there, she shared her love of sports, especially volleyball and softball, as the first-ever coach of those sports at RCE.
“She was also very involved with the Rayne Recreation Department by coaching for many years and covering Rayne youth, highlighting that positive aspect of our community,” Bihm noted in her nomination letter.
A 1980 Honor Graduate of Rayne High School, Soileaux was an all-round athlete who excelled in both volleyball and softball. To date, she is the only Lady Wolf named to the Louisiana All-State Volleyball Team (setter) in recognition of her play during her junior year when RHS took home the 3A State Runner-Up trophy.
She went on to continue her education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana – now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette – on a volleyball scholarship.
Also known for her artistic talents, Soileaux has provided local businesses with art work and yard signs that display “Rayne Pride.”
Soileaux also has held an office or is still a member of numerous local civic and service organizations.
She is a past board member and officer of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce and is a long-time and very active member of the Rayne Garden Club, where she has served as an officer and has chaired most local club projects.
She’s chaired the Louisiana Garden Club Federation Cleanest City Contest and Rayne has been honored on both the district and state level under her leadership.
She also is currently chairing the re-establishment of the Magnolia Gardens along the railroad tracks.
As a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Soileaux has served as member of the parish council.
She also was a member and former officer of the American Business Women’s Association for a numebr of years.
The former Lisa Smith, she is the daughter of Jimmy Smith and Lorraine LeBlanc Myers of Rayne. She has been married to her husband, Darrell Soileaux, for 35 years and they are the parents of a daughter, Leslee Ann Soileaux Gagliano of the Dallas area.
Leslee and husband Sam have blessed her and Darrell with four grandchildren.
The 2019 Rayne Frog Festival will be celebrated May 9 through 11.
In a first for the festival, the Grand Parade will kick off this year’s festivities at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, concluding at the Frog Festival Pavilion, where the official opening ceremonies will be staged.
The 2019 City of Rayne Annual Easter Eggstravaganza will be held Saturday, April 13, between the hours of 1-3 p.m. at Mauboles Park.
Egg hunts for ages eight years and under will be held at the baseball fields in two different age groups (0-4 and 5-8 years).
There will be separate games for children 9-12 year of age. Both egg hunts and games will include bicycles as possible prizes.
Contests for children ages 0-4, 5-8 and 9-12 will include egg decorating contest (bring your decorated egg in clear bag with child’s name and age on it), coloring sheet contest (color sheet and bring to event completed with name and age. Both contests will be judged at the event.
Face painting will be enjoyed, while “Rayne Rocks” will provide a booth for fun rock painting.
In addition, the Easter Bunny will be in attendance for pictures for all ages.
Hot dogs and drinks will be provided as refreshments.
Contact Suzette Leonards (337) 334-6682 with questions.
CROWLEY - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 21, 2019, at 2 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Crowley, for Aline Robichaux Terro, 73, who died Monday, March 18, at Lafayette General Medical Center.
She was a graduate of St. Michael High School, was employed with Walmart in Crowley for 30 years and volunteered at Southwind Nursing Home in the beauty shop. She was always known for her bright smile.
Fr. Mikel Polson, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, will officiate for the services. The family requests visiting hours Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in Mowata.
Aline is survived by four sisters, Denise Arlene Robichaux of Lafayette, Phyllis Robichaux Leonards of Crowley, Margie Robichaux Schultz of Crowley and Jackie Wilma Robichaux Benedik of Lafayette; one brother, Gerald Robichaux of Lafayette; her godchildren, Angela Leonards, Debbie S. Hensgens and Michael Robichaux; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood Terro; and her parents, Wilbert and Helen Bollich Robichaux.
Readers for the Mass of Christian Burial will be Denise Leonards and Nancy Loewer with gift bearers being Elizabeth Dumesnil and Debbie S. Hensgens.
Pallbearers will be Donald Leonards, James Leonards, Michael Robichaux, Patrick Schultz, Scott Schultz and John Schultz.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313.
Rayne - A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life for Rose Mary Griffin Mouton, 59, of Rayne, will be celebrated on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, 700 West Jefferson Davis Ave., Rayne. Father Richard Wagner, SSJ will officiate the Mass.
She will await her resurrection in Our Mother of Mercy Roman Catholic Church Cemetery in Rayne.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Duhon Funeral Home, LLC-Rayne Chapel, 900 East Texas Ave., Rayne, on Friday, March 22, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with tributes from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, March, March 23, from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. with a Rosary recited at 8:30 a.m.
Rose Mary was the daughter of Mary Alice Griffin Taylor. Rose was adopted by her grandparents, the late Albert and Lillian Griffin, and was reared with her two uncles/brothers, Press and Roy Griffin, who preceded her in death. Rose lived in Lafayette and attended school there. In her teen years, after the passing of her grandfather, Rose and her grandmother moved to Rayne. She attended schools in Rayne, as well.
She was married to the late Russell James “Poochie” Mouton Sr. They were blessed with seven children, Michelle (Cleo) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Keisha (Johnny) of Tampa, Florida, Tiffany of Rayne, Russell Jr. “Rusty” (Kaylin) of Rayne, Gary Mouton of Rayne, Scotty of Rayne, a son as she took as her own and affectionately called him her “Big Teddy Bear”, Wayne (Jeanette) of Rayne, Kelly and a daughter, Stacey who awaits her arrival in heaven.
Ms. Rose, Mama Rose, Chef, First Lady are only a few names she was affectionately called. She was the community cook. If you needed a cook, decorator, babysitter or whatever, just call Rose Mary. She worked for the City of Rayne Street Department and loved the work she did in the beautiful city of Rayne.
Rose leaves the gifts of love, faith, patience and courage to her children, grandchildren, godchildren, siblings, Priscilla Taylor, Cherry Taylor, Laura Richard, Jermaine (Ronald) Arceneaux, John (Brittle) Taylor and Chris Taylor, as well as, relatives and friends too numerous to name.
Visitors may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences online to Mrs. Mouton’s family at wwwl.duhonfuneralhome.com.
RAYNE – Funeral services were held Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church for Bertha Roberts Jones.
Interment was in Our Mother of Mercy Cemetery.
Bertha Roberts Jones returned to her heavenly home on Monday, March 11, following a brief illness at the age of 92.
Her devotion to her family, friends and her strong faith in God supported her during her short illness.
Bertha was born to the late Oliver and Mary Roberts, in Rayne on June 22, 1926. She loved people and enjoyed cooking, dancing, laughing and having fun. She was the life of every event and never met a stranger.
Bertha is survived by her niece, who was more like a daughter, Gloria Stewart (Jessie); nieces, Irma Martin, Althea White (Jessie), Jackie Domingue (Milton), Patricia Bonnom (Elton) Phyllis Ceasar, Sandra Ceasar, Sheryl Minor, Johnnie Roberts, Cassandra Meriwether and Mary Lou Nickson; nephews, Eric Roberts (Rose), Nathaniel Russell, Tyler Roberts (Tina), Stanley Roberts, Elliott Roberts and Robert Simms; special cousin, Catherine Jackson-Carter; great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, great-great-great-nieces, great-great–great-nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Mary Roberts; a sister, Eunice Robinson; a brother, John Roberts Sr.; niece, Sherry Babineaux; and nephews, Clarence Robinson, John Roberts Jr. and Patrick Roberts.
Visitation was held Saturday, March 16, at Syrie Funeral Home from 7 a.m. until time of service.
Sign the guestbook online at www.syriefh.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Syrie Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette.
RAYNE - Coming off back-to-back state wins, Rayne citizens are being asked to do their part for next week’s 2019 District Cleanest City Contest.
Judging will take place in the city of Rayne on Tuesday, March 26, at 12:40 p.m. as announced by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation.
District Chairman Ingrid Ayres of Lake Charles and judges will be welcomed at City Hall by city officials, Rayne Garden Club members and the general public.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux and Chairman Lisa Soileaux of the Rayne Garden Club, sponsors of the annual event, urged all citizens to show their community pride by preparing their nieghborhoods for the judges.
In addition, neighbors are urged to help an elderly or disabled neighbor in preparing their lawn and garden for the judging. Every little big helps.
PLACES AT LAFF - Rayne’s reigning Frog Festival Queen Fallyn Gonsoulin attended the 2019 Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festival Pageant where she placed in the top 15 among 68 queens from throughout the entire state. Also in attendace to LAFF were member of the Frog Festival Committee who attended workshops on behalf of the Rayne Frog Festival.
RAYNE - The Rayne High baseball team got off to a rocky district start Tuesday afternoon when they dropped a 5-14 contest to Teurlings Catholic.
Entering the game at 10-5 overall, the Wolves will meet Teurlings once again today (Thursday) during a home contest at Gossen Memorial Park here.
“We hope to get things back on track tomorrow,” stated Rayne HIgh Head Coach Jason Bonin of Thursday’s district contest.
Over the weekend, the Wolves hosted three teams during the Rayne High Round Robin Tournament held at Gossen Memorial Park here.
During Wolf action, Rayne defeated Mamou 12-2 but fell to Beau Chene 3-4 in a nail-biter.
The Wolves will continue district action on Tuesday, March 26, when they are set to host Northside High School, followed by a road trip to Lafayette on Thursday, March 28, at Northside.
Lady Wolves
The Lady Wolves dropped below .500 in district play on Tuesday when they fell to Westgate, 2-12.
With a 5-10 overall mark on the season, the ladies stand at 2-3 in district play.
They will travel to Lafayette today (Thursday) where they will face Teurlings Catholic and try to even out their district slate.
The Lady Wolves are also scheduled to participate in the St. Thomas More Round Robin Tournament this weekend before meeting Iota on Monday.
Crowley Post-Signal
602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949
Rayne-Acadian Tribune
108 North Adams, Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-334-3186
Fax: 337-334-8474
Church Point News
c/o The Eunice News, 465 Aymond St., Eunice, LA 70535
Phone: 337-457-3061