Ravance was born February 21, 1934 in St. Martinville to the late Joseph Blanchard and the late Emily Gaudet Blanchard. He was raised in a home that celebrated their Cajun heritage and valued all that the land had to offer. He was also taught a strong work ethic and provided for his family over the years. Ravance worked with FNR Construction for over 30 years, and worked for 15 years with Live Oak Gardens at Jefferson Island.
With his retirement, he took advantage of his time and enjoyed every waking moment doing the things he loved. He had a garden and harvested many vegetables, as well as raising chickens, cows and pigs. One of his favorite pastimes was picking pecans with Elodie. They packed a lunch and off they went to pick sacks and sacks of pecans, often times sitting in the shade to enjoy their lunch.
He was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life and had everything he needed…his family and home. We will miss him but will hold his memory and legacy close to our hearts. Rest well Ravance.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Elodie Alleman Blanchard; his children, Tammy Blanchard, Timmy Blanchard and wife Lori, and Rachel Blanchard; seven grandchildren, Tangie Augustine, Brittany Gachassin, Wade Gachassin, Jr., Lindy Landry, Blair Blanchard, Dustin Derouen, Dylan Derouen; six great grandchildren, Aubry Landry, Ava Claire Landry, Kyler Augustine, Jayce Derouen, Raelynn Derouen and Andrew Landry; and his sister, Theresa Domingue.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris “Dot” Judice and Doreen Blanchard.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Ravance’s life will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Fr. Matthew Hebert will be the celebrant. Following the mass, he will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum in Delcambre, with military honors rendered by the Iberia Veterans Honor Guard.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday May 26 from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm, with the Men’s Rosary Group leading the Rosary at 6:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Saturday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.
Serving as pallbearers are Dustin Derouen, Wade Gachassin, Kenneth Floris, Dylan Lanahan, and Christopher Augustine.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Ravance’s memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
