EUNICE - With hearts full of gratitude and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Diane Alcala Munro DeRouen, who moved on to heaven unafraid, surrounded by her two youngest children, hospice workers Darrick and Amy, caretaker Mary Janice, and little dog Lily on Sept. 17, 2026, at the age of 93.

An unforgettable, loving woman of extraordinary beauty, strength, and grace, Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Paul DeRouen; parents William Harvey Munro and Emily Virginia Alcala Munro; and grandparents William Harvey Munro III and Mary Laporte McFarland.

She is survived by all four of her children: Jacques DeRouen (Houston), Rene DeRouen (Dallas), Andre DeRouen (Eunice), and Suzanne DeRouen (long-time New York City resident, sometimes resident of Eunice, and self-proclaimed citizen of the world due to her extensive international travel and career—which her mother loved about her). She leaves behind grandchildren Cameron DeRouen, Stuart DeRouen, Emily DeRouen, and Alexander DeRouen; and great-grandchildren Perry, Barrett, and Chloe DeRouen.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, Diane attended Lamar University and the University of Houston. She left college early, having been introduced to her future husband, Rodney, who had just returned from his service in the Korean War. They were married for 46 years before Rodney died in 2001. Diane was a two-time breast cancer survivor and enjoyed playing tennis.

As a coed at Lamar University, she was a member of the prominent social student organization, The Revelers Club. While attending the University of Houston, she was crowned National Beauty Queen and was featured in Vanity Fair Magazine as one of the school favorites. She was also a member of Kappa Sigma Nu.

Anyone who met Diane knew that she was graceful and polite. She was most of all, however, always extremely proud of her Scots-Irish heritage and Texas birthplace. One could always hear her telling her children to “Remember the Alamo” and “Hook 'em Horns” (her father was a University of Texas Longhorn graduate). Somehow, the rest of her Louisiana family made this work, notwithstanding their devotion to the LSU Tigers.

One of her proudest moments, as a social leader in the Eunice community, involved the co-hosting of renowned astronauts Robert "Bob" Crippen and William "Bill" McArthur, who were close friends with Lester Peter "Pe-Te" Johnson, a major supporter of NASA who frequently hosted astronauts for his famous Texas and Cajun-style cook-offs. Because of this bond, they traveled to Johnson's hometown of Eunice to serve as special guests and cut the ribbon for the community's annual Independence Day celebration.

Family was always most important to Diane, and with her children oftentimes spread throughout the country, it was not uncommon to find her on the phone checking in with each of them. This did not stop as her life drew to a close. She could be found writing letters and making calls to the children and grandchildren in her very last days. Unflinching in her devotion, she was truly the quintessential matriarch.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to her primary and favorite caregivers, Mary Janice, Laura Godeaux, and Ariana Charles; as well as Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care’s Trina, Darrick, and Amy, and Dr. David Ware (our personal hero). Their presence in Diane's life made her transition from this life to the next graceful and dignified, with the best of her final conversations and laughter saved for their time spent together.

A visitation will take place at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. There will be a rosary prayed by Father Voorhies at 10:30 a.m., followed by a chapel service at 11 a.m. All events will take place at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the St. Paul Cemetery Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Suzanne DeRouen, Laura Godeaux, Tony Guillory, Lisa Johnson, Alex DeRouen, and Cameron DeRouen.

In lieu of flowers, Diane requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Home, the ASPCA, or Eunice’s local animal shelter.

Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, (337)457-3371 is in charge of arrangements.