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Eunice, LA
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Richard Douglas LeDoux, Sr., Lt. Col., USAF (Retired) announces his passing on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Eunice Manor at the age of 88. A Celebration of Life will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 01, 2018 at Ardoin's Funeral Home in Eunice. 

Burial will follow in the LeDoux Cemetery with Deacon Gary Gaudin. 

Born December 17, 1929, Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois, to Staff Sergeant Francis LeDoux and Pearl T. LeDoux. Because his father was a career military man Richard grew up moving to his father's duty stations at Nicols Field, Philippine Islands; Kelly Field, San Antoinio, Texas; Post Field, Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Mitchell Field, Hempstead, Long Island, New York.

On December 12, 1941, five days short of his twelfth birthday, he left New York by train for his parent's home town of Eunice, Louisiana, where he lived for the next eleven years. He graduated from Eunice High School in 1948 and Southwestern Louisiana Institute in 1952 with a BS Degree and as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

He married Bertha Lee "Teadie" Manuel on February 15, 1952 and together they went to his first duty station which was Air Force Pilot Training at Kinston Air Base, North Carolina. Their first daughter Jeanne Denise, was born at Marine Corps Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, on December 10, 1952. They next went to Greenville Air Force Base, Mississippi for his second six months of pilot training and then to Gary Air Force Base, San Marcos, Texas where he completed the Air Force Helicopter Pilot School. Then he went on to Korea as a rescue pilot. While he was in Korea their second daughter, Suzanne Angelique, was born on August 02, 1954. Upon his return from Korea, he attended the Aircraft Maintenance Officer's school at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois, and graduated with a Flight Test Maintenance Officer's specialty. 

Next he and Bertha and by now their two daughters were stationed at Sewart AFB, Tennesse where he was first assigned to a Helicopter and then a C-130 squadron. While at Sewart AFB, Richard, Junior was born on April 20, 1959, shortly after his birth Richard, Sr. and his family were transferred to Japan for a three year tour. By the time Richard, Sr. had been in the Air Force for twenty years, he had served six and a half years overseas in the Far East and Southeast Asia in the countries of Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. The last five years of his time in the Air Force was spent in Southern California overseeing flight testing and development of the "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program" for the Air Force.

In addition to his BS degree from SLI and a year and half in pilot training and helicopter training, while in the service he also completed a year-long Aircraft Maintenance Officer School, Squadron Officer's School, The Industrial College of The Armed Forces and while preparing for his dissertation for his Master's degree in Political Science was sent to Thailand as a helicopter instructor rendering him a thesis short of a Master's Degree.

After retiring from the Air Force, Richard, Sr. became "Jack of all Trades" giving flight instructions to fledgling flight students, aerial application ("crop dusting"), teaching at LSUE, managing the grounds and stables of quarter horse race track, repairing small tools and electrical and pneumatic equipment and advising the city administrators on disaster preparedness. However his greatest passion was for organizing and overseeing a rural water system that encompassed a one hundred and forty square mile area.

He is survived by his three children, Jeanne Gray, Suzanne Mumphrey and husband, Scott and Dik LeDoux and wife Debi; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bertha Lee "Teadie" Manuel LeDoux and his son-in-law, Daniel Gray.

At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin's Funeral Home in Eunice on Tuesday, May 01, 2018 from 10:00 am until time of services.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Veteran's Association, Wounded Warriors or any service organization that benefits veterans.

Military Timeline
1952 (fall): Active duty at Stallings Air Base in Kinston, NC
1953 (Dec):  Helicopter Pilot rraining, Gary AFB, San Marcos, TX
1954:  Korea, then the Artic Circle flying a helicopter in support of survey crews who were doing the locating of sites for the construction of DEW (Distant Early Warning radar sites) line locations.  Upon his return he supported the 82nd Airborne and re-supplying radio relay sites in the southeastern states.
Fort Churchill in Manitoba working on the Mid-Canadian Early Warning Radar line for three months.
Aircraft Maintenance Officer's school, Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL (a year long course)
Sewart AFB, Smyrna, TN
Maintenance Officer for a C-130 squadron
1960:  C-130 squadron, Japan
1963:  Sewart AFB, Smyrna, TN
1965 (six months):  Instruct young Thai Air Force officers in helicopters.
Point Mugu Naval Air Station near Oxnard, California. Flight testing on the drone program, aka Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. (18 months)
Ryan Aircraft plant, San Diego, CA.
1971:  Korea (1 yr)
1972:  England, AFB, Alexandria. Special assistant to the base commander.

In his 20 years of service, Dick served 6.5 years in the Far East and Southeast Asia and was otherwise away from home and family two-thirds of the time.

Jane Elden Bertrand was born August 19, 1938 to Lincoln Bertrand and Virginia Pierrottie. She was the only daughter and the last born. Her oldest brother Elvin "Bee" Bertrand died in 1992.

Her mother, Virginia, was the second of six children born to Constant Pierrotti and Avia Fuselier. Constant Pierrotti is the son of Constantino Pierotti, aka Auguste Constant, and Stephanie "Fanny" Martel. Constantino P:ierotti is the progenitor of the Southwest Louisiana Pierrottie families. 

Jane said of her mother "... I want to give much deserved credit to my MOTHER.  The one person who was always there for all of us! Her entire life was dedicated to being the best WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, SISTER & FRIEND!  I can honestly say my Mother was "My Best Friend" and I miss her so very much.  

She taught us the real "values" of life and she did it by "example".  She taught us "religion" and the role it would play throughout our lives.  She taught us "morals", "honest" and "love".  She taught us that the most important thing in life is FAMILY."

Her father, Lincoln, was the third of six children born to Olizia Bertrand and Marie Bercia Soileau. His family roots trace back to Pierre Giles Joseph Bertrand of France and his wife Louise Therese LeJeune. His ancestry includes, Fontenot, Aucoin, Hebert and Lamirande.

In a tribute to her Dad, she said "...My father was my idol! He was a good husband for my Mom - a good provider for his family and WONDERFUL Dad for the three of us kids...My Dad was never formally educated but he was one of my best Mathematicians I've ever known. He did figures "mentally" quicker than I can, using a calculator - He was a hard-working, proud and honest man - He was a Farmer and a Carpenter, by trade.

He spoke very little English and I taught him how to sign his name when I was about 10 years old."

She graduated from Mamou High School in 1956.  As Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for Dr. A. C. Miller, Eunice, and in the Lafayette Hospital. 

While Jane trained to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, she became a real estate professional beginning as a Real Estate Salesperson 1974 and received a Broker's license in 1978. She formed Old South Realty in 1978. She is a CRB, CRS, GRI and Broker. On the Local Board, she served on or achieved the following: Education Committee, MLS Committee/Chairman; REALTOR of the Year Committee Chairman; REALTOR of the Year Recipient, 1985; Member Honor Society since 1982; Professional Standard/Ethics Committee; Board Orientation Committee; Nominating Committee; Convention Committee; President's Committee; Make America Better Committee; Million Dollar Club Chairman, Board of Directors 1981, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1990 and Strategic Planning Committee.
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On the State Association level, she served on or achieved the following: State CRS President, 1982; State Director 1981-1984; Education Committee, Education Division Chairman, Marketing Committee, Professional Standards/Grievance, CRB Committee, State Strategic Planning Committee; "99"Club Member Since 1980; Executive Board, 185-1986; Nominating Committee; "REALTOR of the Year" Recipient, 1987; Strategic Planning Committee Chairman, 1990 and LA Real Estate Certified Instructor since 2001.
On a National Association level, she served on or achieved the following: GRI (Graduate Realtors Institute) Designation, 1977; CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) Designation, 1979; CRB (Certified Residential Brokerage) Designation, 1983; RS Convention/Special Events Committee; RS Membership Committee; RS Council, 1982-1985; RS Presidents Committee, 1982; Marketing Committee RNMI; CRB Designation Committee; CRB Designation Committee Chairman, 1984; "Real Estate Business" Publications Committee; Editor for "Real Estate Business", 1983-1994; Nation Director, 1984-1986 and 1986-1989; MLS Policy Committee; NAR (National Association Realtors); Nominating Committee, 1986, 1989 and Education Committee, Marketing Committee.

She was recognized for her professional achievements by her realtor peers, the Realtor Association of Acadiana. The following was printed in the Acadian Home Finder, November 21, 2010

Ortego Recipient of 2010 Lloyd G. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award
Jane Ortego, ERA Stirling Properties was recently awarded the REALTOR Association of Acadiana's Lloyd G. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lloyd G. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor an outstanding REALTOR who has devoted many years of service to the REALTOR profession. Lloyd worked and served unselfishly in almost every capacity with the Lafayette Board of REALTORS, the Louisiana REALTORS, and the National Association of REALTORS. During his active years, he was seldom absent from local, state or national meetings and conventions. Over the years, Mr. Smith was known, and most of all respected by hundreds of REALTORS from coast to coast. Most everyone remembers him as being a sincere southern gentleman; the same image that he portrayed with his local peers and those people outside the REALTOR profession. 

Jane Ortego has served as an active member of RAA for 30+ years. Active not only at the local level; she has been active also at the state and national levels. Jane has earned the GRI, CRS and CRB designations; and was a million dollar producer in first year of real estate. Moving from sales into management in the earlier years she continues listing and selling real estate.

Ortego's community involvement includes: Junevile and Young Adult program, the local orphanage, Lafayette Child Abuse Center and United Way.

"Growing up with a small town integrity and virtue, Jane gained an early respect for the land, county and God," said Judy Garber, fellow REALTOR who nominated Jane.

Congratulations to Jane Ortego, Lloyed G. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award recipient!
-------------------------------------Obituary------------------------
​A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 12:00 pm at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette for Jane Elden Bertrand Ortego, 79, who passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017, at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice in Lafayette.

Visitation will be observed on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, from 8:30 am until the time of services, at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette.
A rosary will be recited Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 11:00 am at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home.

Entombment will follow in Fountain Memorial Cemetery in Lafayette. Father Kenneth Domingue, Pastor of St. Leo the Great Church in Leonville, will officiate and recite the rosary.

Jane was born August 19, 1938, in Mamou and was a long-time resident of Acadiana. She was a nurse for 13 years and later became a realtor for 40 years. Jane was a parishioner of St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church in Lafayette.
Jane was active in her community and belonged to the State, Local and National Realtor Associations and was a Certified State Instructor. She was an avid traveler, loved working as a realtor and enjoyed going to casinos. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Jane is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Jimmie Ortego of Lafayette; two sons, J. Dana Ortego of Houma and Jody Keith Ortego of Lafayette; two daughter-in-laws, Debbie Ortego of Houma and Harvette Hebert Ortego of Lafayette; one brother, Herman Bertrand of Lake Charles; five grandchildren, Matthew and his wife, Kelly, Michael and his wife, Megan and Anna Catherine Ortego, all of Houma, Cody and Adam Ortego, both of Lafayette and numerous dear nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lincoln and Virginia Pierrottie Bertrand and one brother, Elvin Bertrand.

Pallbearers will be Matthew, Cody, Michael and Adam Ortego and Brian and Mike Bertrand.

The family wishes to thank Father Paul, Dr. Michael Horaist, other surgical staff along with Robbie Wadsworth, the nursing staff of the ICU, all of Lafayette General Medical Center and The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice in Lafayette for the compassionate care given to Jane and her family.

A special thanks to Mona Bertrand, Judy Garber and Brunella Fischer for their support over the past month with Dad and the family. You made Mom’s life and our lives so much easier. God bless.
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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jane's name to The Little Flowers of Jesus Mission for the Sick and Needy, Father Paul Onuegbe, P.O. Box 365, Loreauville, LA 70552 or give to any charity of your choosing.

She authored Vidrine -Ve'drines, Volume One 1600-1750 in 1981. ISBN: 0-937-614-04-1. Acadiana Press, Lafayette, LA 70504

​Article on Veillon family.

More about Jacqueline Elma Olivier.
----------------Obituary----------
VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Ms. Jacqueline "Jacky" Olivier Vidrine, 88, will be held Saturday February 3, 2018 at 11AM in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Ms. Jacky, a resident of Ville Platte, passed away Sunday January 28, 2018 at her residence. 

Jacqueline Olivier Vidrine, nee Jacqueline Elma Olivier, dit "Jacky" to her friends, was the widow of Drouet W. Vidrine (Sr.), and a noted historian and genealogist. Jacky graduated as valedictorian from Sacred Heart High School, and latter attained a bachelor's degree cum laude from SLI (USL), as a member of Kappa Delta Phi and Sigma Kappa Delta. She is the published author of five major books on genealogy and Louisiana history, as well as numerous papers and articles. Jacky has been accepted into and done on-site source research in the archives of the Opelousas Post, New Orleans, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington DC, Canada, France, and Mallorca, Spain. She collaborated on genetic research projects with Tulane and LSU. Jacky was a member of many professional societies, notable as a founding associate of the National Honor Society, elected president of the Louisiana State Historical Association, and a founding member of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL). She was also appointed by the Governor as a member of the State of Louisiana's Commission on Historical Records, and it's commission on Cultural Resources.

Born on October 28, 1929 to Jacques Joseph Olivier ("Jake") and Elma Veillon Olivier, Jacky is survived Cecile Olivier Daumueller of Freeburg IL, and six of Jacky's seven children, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Children: Drouet Warren Vidrine (Jr.) and his wife Donna, of San Clemente, CA; Jacqueline Ann Therese Vidrine ("Jinx") and her partner Peggy, of Mandeville, LA; Thomas Lucien Vidrine and his partner Charmaine, of Ambergris Caye, Belize; Nicole Marie Vidrine Kroeger and her husband Steve, of Fredricksburg, TX; Henri Jacques Vidrine and his partner Patrick (both deceased); Jean Phillipe Vidrine and his wife Shaun, of Ville Platte, LA; and Pierre Etienne Vidrine and his wife Shirlene, of Ville Platte, LA.

Grandchildren: Elizabeth "Libby" Vidrine-Storey; Drouet Warren Vidrine III; Paul Henri Vidrine; Valeska (Kroeger) Wells; Christy Angelle (Vidrine) Bauman; Nicholas Courtney Vidrine, John Travis Vidrine, Bonnie Ann (Vidrine) Isbell; Kinsey Adele Kroeger Aleski; Kyle John Kroeger; Max Eloi Vidrine; Tiffany Marie (Vidrine) Fontenot; Kirk Boone Kroeger; Bri Anna Vidrine; Michael Pierre Vidrine; and Christopher Jacques Vidrine

Great-Grandchildren: Isabel Jo St. John; Joseph Drake Seay; Acelyn Nicole Wells; Rio Thomas Vidrine-Storey; Noah Ryan Vidrine; Caedmon Andrew Wells; Katriel Rose Wells; Lyric Steven Wells; Jackson Brave Bauman (deceased); Wilder Oak Baumann; Selah Anders Baumann; Rose Marie Isbell; Ezekiel Freedom Kroeger; Evangeline Story Kroeger; Micah Justice Kroeger; Piper Marie Fontenot; Orielle Dior Aleski; Jean Travis Drouet Vidrine; Everly Brynn Vidrine; and Charlotte Anne Fontenot, Benaiah Robert Vidrine-Isbell. 

Visitation will be held Friday, February 2, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m., and will resume again Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 8:00 a.m.
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In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Foundation or the Evangeline Parish Library. 

Coatney, 90, of Lake Charles, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, in Tomball, Texas, after a brief illness.

Dr. Coatney was a native of Grand Chenier, where she received her primary and secondary education. In 1947, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Southwestern Louisiana Institute. Following her graduation, she took her first position as County Extension Agent out of Cameron.

She furthered her education, receiving a second Bachelor of Science Degree from McNeese State University in 1962 from the Department of Animal Science, then a MS in education from Northwestern State University in 1970, followed by a Master of Education from the same university in 1972. She then attained her
Doctor of Philosophy from Texas Women’s University in 1974. She retired after 24 and a half years as Head of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at McNeese State University and in 2003 was honored by the university with Professor Emeritus of Family and Consumer Sciences at McNeese State University.

She was a member of many professional and social organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Kappa Phi, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, Calcasieu-Cameron Retired Teachers Association and McNeese State University Alumni Association. She was also a charter member of the Louisiana Seafood Board.

She is survived by one daughter, Sandy Coatney Eldred and husband Frank of Spring, Texas; two sons, David Paul Coatney and wife Cheryl of Spring, Texas, and Richard Coatney and wife Nancy of Lafayette; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Doland of Grand Chenier, and Bobby Doland of Houston, Texas.

Preceding her in death were her parents, David Yandell Doland Sr. and Estelle Miller Doland; one brother; one sister; and her husband, Gene Coatney.

A Mass of Christian Burial was observed Saturday, Sept. 16, at Our Lady of Good Counsel with Father Alan Trouille serving as celebrant. Interment followed services at McCall Cemetery in Grand Chenier.

DR. COATNEY IS NAMED TO POST
     Dr. Barbara Doland Coatney, a native of Cameron Parish and the holder of five college degrees in the field of home economics and education, has been named to head the Department of Home Economics at McNeese.
     Prior to joining the McNeese faculty, she was a teacher of home economics at Alexandria Junior High School and an instructor in the Northwestern State University continuing education program.
     Born in Grand Chenier, Dr. Coatney earned a bachelor of science degree in home economics at USL and a second bachelor’s degree at McNeese. She also holds the master of science in home economics education and master of science education in media education granted by NSU and the doctor of
philosophy in the field of home economics from Texas Women’s University, Denton, Tex. [​Cameron Parish Pilot, March 26, 2009 (reprinted from the March 25, 1976 edition)]

Purchase Pierre V. Miller family book.

Beverly is the daughter of Lindsey Veillon (1903-1983) and Gladys Miller (1910-1992) and the granddaughter of Gus Miller (1884-1944) and Anata Vidrine (1889-1949). Lindsey Veillon was a Chevrolet dealer in Ville Platte. Gladys Miller was described in the Clarion News in 1929 as "a young lady of charming personality and popular among the younger set. She is a graduate of the Industrial Institute of Lafayette and is a member of the faculty of the Vidrine High School." Gladys is the daughter of the late Gus Miller who constructed the lake which bears his name and covers several thousand acres of land. The lake, which is an engineering feat, is filled with sac-a-lait and other fish. 
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​VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Beverly Veillon Burnham, 87, Will be held at 10AM Saturday, August 12, 2017 at our Lady Queen of all Saints Catholic Church, with burial to follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Father Mitch Guidry will officiate.
Mrs. Burnham a resident of Ville Platte passed away Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Heritage Manor nursing home.Beverly was a life-long teacher having taught in both Calcasieu and Evangeline Parish Schools. She retired from Evangeline Parish after being instrumental in setting up and teaching in the local Reading Lab. Reading was an avid passion and love of hers. Her lawn and flower gardens were well known in the area for their plushness, color, and beauty. Complete strangers would stop by requesting a clipping or a bulb. Of course,the inevitable questions on ‘how to’ would follow. Bev was an incredible cook who was able to make a hot dog jambalaya taste like a gourmet treat! But, her biggest passion was the love she had for the six children she raised as a single parent. The pinnacle came when she threw herself a graduation party after her youngest graduated from LSU. She had achieved her lifelong education goal of having all six of her ‘chicks’ earn a university degree. She was as kind as she was generous as her many friends would attest to. All those who knew her loved and respected her. A life that was well lived as an inspiration and mentor. Her sage wisdom and loving guidance will be missed. Beverly was the consummate host and a true Southern Belle.
She will be missed by her son James B. Shipp and wife Brenda of Ville Platte; daughters Martha S. Miller and husband Keith of Ville Platte, Paula S. DeShetler and husband Scott of Colorado, Juliana S. Darbonne and husband Randy of Texas, Rosemary S. Benoit and husband Ben of Lafayette, stepdaughter Annette Aucoin; brother Michael Veillon of Ville Platte; sister Barbara Friedman of Bunkie; 15 grandchildren Daniel Shipp, Hope Shipp Fontenot, Kevin Shipp, Heather Shipp Dupre, James Miller, Jeremy Miller, Zachary DeShetler, Katherine DeShetler, Anne DeShetler, Justin Lafleur, Dr. Elizabeth L. Pritchett, Lia Soileau, Amy Murphy, Sarah Mowery, Tyler Stephens II, 7 step grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren, five step great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Lindsey and Gladys Miller Veillon, husband Gerald Burnham Sr., daughter Susan Lafleur, stepson Gerald Burnham Jr., brother Charles Veillon, grandchild Christopher Shipp, step grandchild John Burnham.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2017 from 5 PM to 8 PM, with a rosary being recited at 6:30, and will resume again Saturday, August 12, 2017 from 8 AM until the time of services.
The guestbook can be signed online at www.lavillefuneralhome.net
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Evangeline Parish library or the Sacred Heart Foundation.

Printed in a local newspaper and written by Bernice Ardoin, Lifestyles Editor; printed in May 1997
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Being a Mom:  The most important job Beverly Burnham ever had
The most important job Beverly Burnham has had in her entire life is being a mother.

Beverly will tell anyone that her family is the center of her life.

"I felt that being a mother was the most important job in the world. Mothers mold their children and have so much influence on what they become," Beverly says with a big smile on her face.

"My mother always told me it was so hard to be a good mother. After I had my children, I realized that was so true," she adds. "Ville Platte is a good place to raise a family," the retired school teacher continues. "People helped me so much. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child." "We have a close family," she said. When one is injured, they all hurt."

Beverly loves family get-togethers. "We do that often," she grinned with excitement. "My family is so supportive." 

The Ville Platte native is the former Beverly Veillon. She left her hometown at the age of 16 to attend college in Natchitoches and finished her studies at Grand Coteau. With her degree in elementary education, Beverly went to work in Calcasieu Parish and later taught in Pine Prairie, at James Stephens and Ville Platte Lower. "I loved working in the reading lab." she smiled as she reminisced back to those teaching days. "It was beautiful teaching in there," she adds.

At the age of 20, Beverly married Blake Shipp and the couple had six children: Jim Shipp, who resides in Ville Platte; Martha Miller of Slidell; Paula DeShetler of Denver, Colorado; Susan LaFleur of Ville Platte; Julie Darbonne of Kingwood, Texas; and Rosemary Benoit of Lafayette.

She has 16 grandchildren and eight step-grandchildren. Next month, Beverly will become a great-grandmother.
In 1965, after Beverly and Blake were divorced, she moved back to Ville Platte with her children. "We were living in Maplewood, near Lake Charles," she explains. "I was teaching there."

Ten years later, in 1975, Beverly married Gerald Burnham. He had two children: Junior Burnham and Annette Aucoin. "We had to add a big room onto the house, so there would be enough room for everyone," Beverly grins. "I have no regrets about having a big family," she emphasizes. "I'd do it again tomorrow if I had the chance."

Beverly's second husband passed away five years ago. "The only description I can give you is that he was a true gentleman. I just can't say enough about him." "I was blessed to have him." "There's so many rewards in being a mother," Beverly admits. "It's just wonderful."

Since her retirement from the school system, Beverly says she has two loves loves. "My kids are older now and I have plenty of time to do all the things I always wanted to do. But, I'll never enjoy anything more than being their mother," she says seriously.

​

Emma McCall Arceneaux, 86, of Lake Charles, died at home on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016.
    She was a native of Grand Chenier and graduated from Grand Chenier High School in 1947. She furthered her education at McNeese State University, but finished her home economics degree at Louisiana State University. Afterward, she taught in Cameron Parish schools for seven years.
    She attended Our Lady Queen of Heaven and Christ the King Catholic Churches. She was also part of the Catholic Daughters of
America.
    Survivors include a daughter, Mona Arceneaux; a son, Robert Arceneaux; two brothers, Norman McCall and wife Joyce and Henry (T-Boy) McCall and wife Faye; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Gladys [Miller] McCall; husband, Charles L. Arceneaux; daughter, Phyllis Ann Arceneaux; son, Patrick Ross Arceneaux; one brother; and one sister.
    A funeral Mass was held on Monday, Nov. 21, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Rev. Wayne LeBleu officiated. Burial followed in
Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Grand Chenier.

    Betty Lou Deshotel-Hollier, born May 8, 1939, was the eldest daughter of Lester Deshotel, Sr. and Yolanda Gotro-Deshotel.     She was a graduate of Vidrine High School in 1957.
    Betty married Larry Hollier on May 17, 1958. They were the proud parents of three loving daughters and hand in hand they traveled and saw the sights of the world. Betty was a member of the Evangeline Parish Homemakers Club, St. Anne’s Chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Savoy Medical Center in Mamou, Louisiana for approximately 35 years.
    Betty was known for her kindness, generosity, sewing and baking skills. She was a loving and supportive mother to her daughters and grandchildren as well as to her to confidant and husband Larry for 58 1/2 years.
    Betty will be immensely missed by her husband Larry, daughter Roxanne Hollier-Roessler and husband Herman of Westlake, LA; daughter Lauren B. Hollier-Perkins and husband Edward of Lafayette, LA and daughter Daphne M. Hollier-Bihm and husband Wayne of Humble, TX. She had two grandchildren Ashlyn Fontenot-Castete and husband Scott of Moss Bluff, LA and Seth Fontenot and his companion Brittany Childs of Sulphur, La., step-grandsons Herman Frederick Roessler Jr. and Carlton L. Roessler, of Westlake, La. She also was blessed with two great grandchildren, Aaron Castete and Kaitlyn Fontenot.
    Betty leaves behind her siblings Verdie Deshotel-Lamke of Ville Platte, LA; Lester Deshotel, Jr. Of Eunice, LA; JoAnn Deshotel-Ardoin and husband Joel of Eunice, LA and James W. Deshotel of Ville Platte, LA. Also, Rinal Hollier, brother-in-law and wife Leola Young of Mamou; Bobby Hollier, brother-in-law and wife Sarah Barnett of West Monroe; Loretta Hollier, sister-in-law of Ville Platte and Ramona Hollier-Yarborough, sister-in-law and husband Bob of Carencro form Lyn Schaeffer Hollier, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
    Waiting for her at Heaven’s Gate is her mother, Yolanda Gotro-Deshotel and father, Lester Deshotel, Sr. along with her brother Layton W. Deshotel and his wife Patsy and brother-in-law Verdon Lamke. She will rest in eternal peace with many other family and friends who departed before her.
    A time of remembrance and reflection will be observed Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Ardoin Funeral Home in Mamou, from 5PM until 9PM. Rosary services will be conducted at 6 PM. Visitation will continue Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 8 AM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11 AM at Saint Ann's Catholic Church. Mrs. Betty Will be laid to rest in the Saint Ann's Mausoleum.

Wilda Anna Martel died at a Tampa hospital on October 29, 2016. She was born in Eunice, LA to Gervis P. "Slim" Martel and Ellenor Fontenot on April 23, 1935.

She is survived by her half-sister, Sandra Martel Roger and husband Nick of Tampa; three stepsiblings; one half-nephew; and four half-grand nephews and nieces.

Wilda Anna was preceded in death by her parents Gervis and Ellenor; her loving stepmother and caretaker, Lillian Martel; her caretaker and great-grandmother, Ernestine Aguillard Savoy; her half-brothers, Rawland and John Martel; and her half-niece, Tara Spicer Mramor.

She will join all her heavenly family in a reunion as God promised in Micah 4:6-7. "I will make the lame (people with disabilities) my remnant…" They are God's chosen ones, his remnants.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Quirk & Son Funeral Home in Eunice. Interment will be in Savoy
Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held in Eunice in March of 2017.

At the time of her birth Ellenor Fontenot and her husband Gervis Martel knew that she was God's special gift. Wilda Anna Martel was born in April 1935. Her father, 23 years old at the time and working at what men did at that age for family income. It was three years after Huey Long completed his Governorship term and was now a U.S. Senator. Huey Long was planning to challenge F.D. Roosevelt for the Presidency until his assassination in September 1935. All people were struggling to make ends meet during the depression. It was going to become more challenging for this Martel family.
 
Gervis and Ellenor married in 1931. They were probably unaware that they were 2nd cousins. Their common ancestry is Pierre Savoy (1832-1876) and Eugenie Miller (1836-1924). Eugenie Miller is a descendant of Jacob Miller and Anne Marie Thaison/Theigen.
 
Wilda Anna was almost 2 1/2 years old when her mother Ellenor died in December 1937.  Ellenor was two months shy of 22 years old. Gervis probably had help while attending to a sick wife and an infant daughter. Ellenor's father and mother, David Fontenot and Anna Savoy probably lived nearby. Anna's mother, Ernestine Aguillard Savoy was also nearby. Ernestine's husband, Julien, Wilda Anna's great grandfather, died in 1933.
 
Savoy Cemetery, Eunice, is the final resting place for all persons mentioned in this family. Wilda Anna's great grandmother, died in 1964. Prior to his death in 1994, Gervis made plans for Wilda Anna's burial. Her eternal resting place is between him and her great grandmother; Tante Ernestine. That  was what she was called by family member. My mother introduced me to her in the mid-1950s. It was courtesy at that time  to call her "Tante"  because my step-father Gervis called her "Tante". I did not know it at the time but Tante Ernestine was my half 3rd cousin once removed. Our common ancestry is Pierre Placide Savoy and Abelaide Babineaux.
 
Very near Ernestine's tomb is her daughter Anna Savoy Fontenot and Anna’s husband David A. Fontenot. Ellenor Fontenot, their daughter is buried nearby. Ellenor's obituary printed in the Eunice News clearly states that she was married to Gervis Martel. We may never know why Ellenor’s headstone excluded her married name - Martel.
 
My step-father Gervis never talked about the difficulties encountered after his 1st wife's death nor the challenges he faced prior to his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in October 1942. He was honorably discharged in September 1945. Many young men in his age group felt a responsibility to defend their country in WW II.
 
Gervis made pay grade E-6, 1st Class Petty Officer, Carpenter's Mate, during his 3 year hitch. The USS Carina, on which Gervis served most of his enlistment, a cargo ship, supported the Pacific Fleet. It was hit by the enemy several times. A Carpenter's Mate was responsible for the ship's repair while at sea. The USS Carina received three battle stars for WW II service, thus it saw battle action with the enemy on more than one occasion. With the skills learned in the Navy, Gervis worked as a carpenter after his discharge.
 
Wilda Anna was cared for and living in Tante Ernestine's old farm house near Eunice when I first met her in the 1950's. It was out in the country. The house seemed very large with a huge fire place. There was a walkway to the kitchen, a smaller building near the large house. My mother, Mary Lillian Naquin, married Gervis, known as "Slim" to many, in 1948, shortly after her divorce from my father, Murphy Miller, Sr.
 
Also in the 1950's Gervis was offered employment with a Tampa firm that manufactured and installed retail store decor and floor display units. He purchased property near Brandon, FL where the family relocated in 1957. Wilda Anna was still in LA. After Gervis and Lillian became FL residents, Wilda Anna too was relocated to FL. She was in a State home in Marianne, FL, then Acadia, FL. She later resided in a Fort Myers home serving people with developmental disabilities for about 45 years. Wilda Anna relocated to Tampa for health reasons in 2006.
 
Gervis Martel and family came often to visit family in LA. His brother Dewey owned the Shell station on Hwy 190. In June 1957 the Gervis Martel family stayed with Dewey and his wife Rose Sittig as Hurricane Audrey delivered its destruction to Eunice. Vellion "Popsi" Martel and his wife Virginia LeDoux were included in the family visits. Prior to their deaths, Gervis' father Etienne and his twin brother Theogene, attended a family gathering in 1952.
 
At 81.5 years old, Wilda Anna will be laid to rest in Savoy Cemetery, Eunice, LA.  Her earthly struggles are over. She will join all her family in a heavenly reunion as God promised in Micah 4:6-7 (NIRV). " 'The time is coming when I will gather those who are disabled,' announces the LORD. 'I will bring together those who were taken away as prisoners. I will gather those I have allowed to suffer. I will make the disabled my faithful people. I will make those who were driven away from their homes a strong nation. I will rule over them on Mount Zion. I will be their King from that time on and forever.' " They are God's chosen ones, his remnants.

More information on the Martel Family of Louisiana can be found on Lulu.com.

Margaret Elaine Miller Richardson passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, May 29, 2016, after a battle with lung cancer. She was born 12 December 1926, in Reddell, Louisiana, to Cleophas and Isabelle Michot Miller, the fourth of eight children. Raised a Catholic, she along with her brothers and sisters learned the importance of honesty, integrity and customer service while working in the family's General Store. After graduating Vidrine H.S., she attended The University of Southwestern Louisiana, now University of Louisiana, Lafayette, where she earned a B.A. Degree in Foreign Languages. She went on to teach at Pearl River Jr. College in Pearl River, Mississippi, where she met another teacher Charles Ray 'Rich' Richardson, who was to become her husband. They were married in Reddell on November 25, 1948. From there she moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, to be a homemaker and raise five children. Always interested in family history, she became a professional genealogist. She taught genealogy at Del Mar College, helped to found the Coastal Bend Genealogical Society where she was a past president, lectured and gave workshops on genealogy, and edited two genealogical quarterlies. Elaine led many ministries and groups at St. Patrick Catholic Church. She belonged to The Holy Family Guild, Altar Society, Sunday Lunch Bunch, Caring Friends, St. Patrick's Supper Club, Autumn Leaves, taught High School religion, sang in the choir for many years, served as one of the first Lay Reader/Lecturers, and taught hymns before Mass. She was also a member of St. Michael the Archangel Latin Mass Community, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Convent Auxiliary, and The Bishop's Guild.

Cleophas and Isabelle Michot Miller, parents of Margaret Elaine Miller

Miller family books
Jacob Miller Family (all known Jacob Miller descendants and family)
Volume I, II, III
Antoine Miller Family (includes the Cleophas Miller family)
Jacob Miller Photos, Vol II (includes Cleophas Miller family in photos of Antoine Miller family.