Deola Arnaud Deshotel

Deola Arnaud Deshotel, a beloved member of the Eunice community, left this world on June 10, 2025, surrounded by the warmth and love of her cherished family. Born on July 18, 1933, Deola embodied grace and kindness throughout her remarkable life. She was a light in the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.

The family will hold visitation services on June 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Rosary at 6:00 PM at Ardoin's Funeral Home. The visitation will continue on June 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Deola Arnaud Deshotel will be remembered with fondness and heartfelt gratitude for her contributions to her community and her unwavering love for her family and friends.

Throughout her life, Deola was known for her strong work ethic and dedication to serving others. She began her career as a waitress, where her warm smile and attentive nature left a lasting impression on many. Later, she worked as a clerk at Derbes Drug Store for 20 years, providing friendly and dependable service to the local community. Her creativity and passion for beauty found expression during her time at Final Touch Hair Salon and a local tanning salon, where she built lasting relationships. In each role, Deola brought kindness, diligence, and grace, earning the admiration and respect of all who knew her.

She was a long-time parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Ladies' Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters. She devoted an hour to the Adoration Chapel every Tuesday at 5 p.m. since the 24-hour adoration began sometime in the 1970s until 2024.

She was very involved with her children, volunteering at St. Edmund Catholic School as a room mother and a member of the PTC, as well as participating in Cub Scouts, Bluebirds, and Junior Catholic Daughters. She was also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.

She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She found great pleasure in cooking and baking for family and friends. She was best known for her French toast, poppy seed cake, hot mustard, and pepper jelly.

She is survived by her children, Kaye D. Eval, Danny Deshotel (Jackie), and Scott Deshotel (Lisa). Her six grandchildren are Ryan Deshotel, Jon-Erik Eval (Lauren), Emily Deshotel, Katie Deshotel (KelliJo), Taylor Eval (Hannah), Katherine Deshotel; her 5 great-grandchildren Korbin Deshotel, Kane Deshotel, Daniel Foster, Emma Claire Foster, and Isla Eval; her sister-in-law Anna Belle Fontenot as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 69 years, Jimmie Deshotel, her parents Gus and Odelia Moreau Arnaud, her son-in-law Getty Eval; her sisters Via Young, Agnes Vidrine, Elrine Matt, Rita Comeaux, Celestine Arnaud, Belle Huval, Earline Cole; her brothers Joseph Arnaud, Nelson Arnaud, Willie Arnaud, and Dudley Arnaud.

The Pallbearers are Ryan Deshotel, Jon-Erik Eval, Taylor Eval, Terry Fuselier, Jimmie Keith Cole, and Timmy Huval.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (Eunice).310 West Vine or call 337-457.5285.