Ethel Vidrine Fontenot

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Ethel Vidrine Fontenot, 93, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 following a brief illness at Mercy Regional Medical Center.

Ethel was born on Monday, January 4, 1932 to Joseph P. “Yule” Vidrine and his wife, Felicia in Belaire. She was third among her siblings: Godwin, Elsie Mae “Sr. Elsie”, Woodrow, and Winston. Ethel married her lifelong love, Joseph G. “T-Joe” Fontenot on June 5, 1948. Thus began her true calling as wife and mother to Eileen Byars (James), Joe (Elaine), Mike (Paula), Cindy Hooper (Gilbert), Mona West (Greg), and Carma Andrus (Tony).

Ethel was blessed with 14 grandchildren: Trish, Amanda, Amy, Brian, Dale, Jessy, Nick, Gabe, Ronnie, Jon, Adrienne, Johanna, Sarah, and Holly. She was further blessed with 30 great and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Ethel remained steadfast in her Catholic faith, encouraging her children and grandchildren to do likewise. She generously offered countless prayers and endless Novenas for any in need as well as offering Masses for her dear dead well into her 90’s.

She was very talented in crotchet, having made numerous afghans, baby blankets, clothing, caps, and later lap blankets that she donated to the Nursing Home. Later Ethel used recycled plastic bags and crocheted purses of all sizes which she also gave away to anyone who visited her as well as donating the rest to the nursing home.

She was also known for delicious dishes she cooked including those made with bana casse, cushaw, and mirliton (vegetable pear).

Ethel is preceded in death by her husband, T-Joe; grandson, Nicholas Ardoin; and siblings, Godwin, Sr. Elsie, and Woodrow.

Funeral arrangements will be at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte, open for viewing Tuesday, April 22nd from 10 am - 8pm, with a rosary recited at 6:30 pm. Additional viewing Wednesday, April 23rd at 8 am to be followed by Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10 am and interment burial at Evangeline Memorial Cemetery with Father Tom Voorhies officiating services.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte has been entrusted with Ethel’s arrangements and invites family and friends to leave condolences and fond memories of her at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.