Rita Lewis Manuel

EUNICE~It is with heavy hearts that the family of Rita Lewis Manuel announces her passing on Monday, May 11, 2026, at her home in Eunice surrounded by her loving family at the age of 100. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Eunice at 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Cemetery with Father Dugas, Celebrant.

Rita came into the world at home on December 28, 1925. When her siblings, Catherine and Lois, along with her brother John, returned from the care of their grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Murphy Lewis, she was being rocked in front of a warm fireplace by Weesie, her mother’s sister, whom she would later affectionately call her second mother.

Throughout her life, she worked for a time at a finance company, an insurance company, and dedicated 20 years to the banking industry, working at Hibernia Bank in New Orleans and Tri-Parish Bank in Eunice. Rita retired from the City of Eunice after 11 years of service.

Rita had essential tremor, which causes involuntary shaking in the hands and head, and wishes to bring awareness to this condition.

She had a passion for cooking, baking, sewing, reading, and working in the yard. She especially enjoyed bird watching, and her favorites were hummingbirds. She also enjoyed a good martini with her siblings, nieces, and nephews. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her especially her daughter, Rosalind Lejeune and husband, Scottie of Eunice; six grandchildren, Brian Rozas, Adrienne LeJeune and husband, Drake, Andrew Rozas and wife, Misti, George Leger and wife, Claire, Josh Leger and wife, Hannah, and Skyla Guidry and husband, Ray; thirteen great grandchildren, Devin LeJeune, Karson LeJeune, Maverick LeJeune, Callie Ann Rozas, Cambria Rozas, Tristan Guillory, Olivia Guidry, Emily Guidry, Aubree Leger, Natalie Leger, Amelia Leger, Madelynn Leger, James Leger; as well as extended family and friends. She is also survived by nephews and nieces, Ralph & Janice Stivison, Priscilla Stivision, Dale & Lorna Marsh, and Tiffany & Brian Abshire; numerous great nieces and nephews; as well as her grand pups, Rudi and Luna.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, former Eunice Mayor John B. Lewis Sr. and Lois Wilson Lewis; ex-husband, Larry D. Manuel; brothers, J. B. “Butch” Lewis Jr. and Kenneth J. Lewis; sisters, Catherine L. Stivison, Lois W. Lewis; niece, Catherine R. Stivison; nephew, Lowell Stivision; sister-in-law, Dot Lewis; and her brother-in-law, Frank Stivison.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her sitters, Lora Ortego and Jane Ortego, as well as Hope Hospice for their dedicated care to Rita.

Pallbearers will be Brian Rozas, Andrew Rozas, Drake LeJeune, Devin LeJeune, Dale Marsh, and Scottie Lejeune. Honorary pallbearers will be the great grandchildren, Karson, Maverick, Callie Ann, Tristan, Cambria, and Olivia.

Not ours to know the reason why, from loved ones we must part, but ours to live in faith and hope through bleeding of the heart.

At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 10:30 am until time of services. Deacon Chuck Ortego will pray a rosary at 12:00pm.

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.