Merlene Thibodeaux

Merlene Thibodeaux, a cherished member of the Ville Platte community and a devoted Catholic, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at Eunice Manor, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on March 31, 1935, Merlene lived a life marked by quiet strength and unwavering faith.

For over two decades, Merlene dedicated herself to delivering the Morning Advocate in Ville Platte, becoming a familiar and respected figure in the daily lives of many. Her commitment to her work reflected her steadfast devotion to her community and her desire to serve others with reliability and care.

Merlene was a woman of simple yet profound pleasures. She found joy in having KVPI playing softly on the radio, in the comfort of sipping coffee among neighbors, and in the spiritual solace of praying her rosary multiple times each day. These moments epitomized her gentle spirit and deep connection to both her faith and her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dallas Deshotel and Rita Oge; her beloved husband, John Thibodeaux; her son, John Michael Thibodeaux; her brothers, Harris and Roderick Deshotel; her grandson, Paul Marshall Fontenot; and her son-in-law, Lionel Fontenot.

Merlene leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forward. Her daughters, Brenda Saucier Miller and her husband JD of Ville Platte, and Linda Saucier Fontenot of Eunice, remember her with great affection. She is also survived by her brother, Bobby Deshotel of Ville Platte; her half-sister Deborah Deshotel of Welsh; and her cherished grandchildren Tina Willis and husband Chad of Reddell, Jana Israel and husband Benji of Mamou, Kacey Veillon and husband Jeremie of Eunice, Holly Romero and husband Paul of Ville Platte, and Jonathon Thibodeaux and wife Kristy of Ville Platte. The legacy of Merlene’s loving influence extends even further to her 19 great-grandchildren and 23 great-great-grandchildren.

The family warmly invites all who knew Merlene to pay their respects and celebrate her remarkable life. Visitation will be held on May 8, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the funeral services at 4:00 PM at Ardoin's Funeral Home in Ville Platte. The day will conclude with a burial at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Ville Platte, with Deacon Gary Gaudin officiating. The pallbearers are Jonathon, Benjamin, Benji, Ben, Paul, Chad, and honorary Pallbearer is Cooper. 

Merlene Thibodeaux’s life was a testament to quiet dedication, enduring faith, and compassionate presence. Her memory will remain a blessing and an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. 

The family would like to extend their thanks to Hope Hospice for their exceptional care of Merlene, especially her nurse, Tatum Fruge.