Obituaries

Local artist passes away at 86

By: TONY MARKS Editor Gary Richard Steckler, well known for his art, passed away on September 23, at the age of 86. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 27, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Visitation was held at 11 am, followed by the Rosary at 12 p.m. and Mass at 12:45 p.m.

ISABELLE DEVILLE LAVERGNE

VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Isabelle “Belle” Deville Lavergne, 96, will be held at 1 p.m. today, October 2, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Ville Platte. Burial will follow in the Old Ville Platte Cemetery.

TERRY BRENT GUILLORY

Terry Brent Guillory, a beloved husband and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Mamou, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 85.

Former fire chaplain passes away

By: TONY MARKS Editor EUNICE - Reverend Thomas Montelaro, former associate pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Ville Platte and former chaplain of the Ville Platte Fire Department, passed away on August 29, in Las Vegas, Nev., at the age of 78.

BARBARA ANN HILL COREIL

Barbara Ann Hill Coreil, of Plaquemine, died peacefully on September 13, 2025. She was 87. Barbara was born in 1937 in rural Arkansas, arriving prematurely and weighing less than three pounds. Against all odds, she survived—not only at birth but following her cancer diagnosis in 2022.

ELWYN SAUCIER FONTENOT

Elwyn Saucier Fontenot, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the age of 88 in Alexandria. Elwyn was born on Sunday, April 4, 1937, in Mamou and dedicated her life to her family and her community, embodying the true spirit of generosity and compassion.

STAGG G. DUPLECHAIN

Stagg G. Duplechain passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Eunice, at the age of 94. Stagg was born on Thursday, January 29, 1931, in Basile and was known for his loving personality and hard work. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St.

KELTON JOSEPH DUPRE SR.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Kelton Joseph Dupre Sr. was held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Pine Prairie. Father Casey Dugas officiated. Inurnment followed in Platin Cemetery, Vidrine, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale. Mr.

PAULA CECILE LANDRENEAU

Paula Cecile Landreneau, a beloved educator and devoted member of her community, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the age of 78 in her hometown of Ville Platte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

JOHNNETTE NEUCERE FOREMAN

Johnnette Neucere Foreman, affectionately known as “Maw Maw Johnnette,” passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 2:47 a.m. at Opelousas General Hospital, at the age of 82. A lifelong resident of St.