Lona Trahan Smith

Mrs. Smith was born June 2, 1922 in Maurice, LA. She received a BS in Home Economics from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now ULL) in Lafayette, LA.

Mrs. Smith began her professional life as a high school teacher in Maurice, LA. She then achieved her dream job as a Home Demonstration Agent, working in both Lafayette and Iberia Parishes.

Mrs. Smith returned to teaching at Mt. Carmel in New Iberia and then served both the Mr. Carmel and Catholic High communities as Cafeteria Manager. She found great satisfaction as Secretary at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, LA.

Her most treasured work was with her husband in his work with Louisiana Animal Breeders Coop.

In Mrs. Smith’s personal life over the years she was an active member of many varied clubs and organizations. Lona and RJ always worked toward self-enrichment and the good of their communities.

She was pre-deceased by her spouse of 58 years, Ransdell J. Smith, and her parents, Philip and Ella Duhon Trahan.

She is survived by her two sons: Mark and wife, Sheila Allen of Lafayette, Carroll and wife Bridget Killmer of New Iberia; three daughters: Pamela Dietz and husband, Richard of Lafayette, Monica Moen and husband William of Denton, TX and Ellen Ann Khoudari and husband Nicholas of Orange County, CA. Nine Grandchildren: Susan and husband Billy Koopman, Misty Smith, Kevin Smith and wife Margaret Sullivan, Michelle Smith, Amanda and husband Philip Rogers, Emily Carol Smith, Julia Moen, Adam Moen and Samuel Khoudari. Eleven Great-Grandchildren and two Great-Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Melba Crenshaw, Marie Watson, Anna Clark and Betty Champagne and husband, Gerald; a Brother-in-law, Bubba Hernandez and sister-in-law Dorothy Smith.

The family requests visiting hours at Evangeline Funeral Home on St. Peter’s Street, New Iberia be observed on Sunday, September 11, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 pm. Visitation will resume on Monday, September 12 from 8:00 am until 10:00 am.

Special thanks are extended to Fr. Paul Onuegbe, the Azalea Estates staff, and her sitters who have tenderly attended her needs these past six months.

Mrs. Smith had many Charities that she supported. In lieu of flowers she requested Masses for the repose of her and R.J.’s souls, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.

To view the online obituary and share your memories of Mrs. Smith with the family, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia (337) 364-1881 is in charge of arrangements.