Lou Ella Theresa Hardy Meaux

A Funeral Service officiated by Deacon Keith Duhon will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan honoring the life of Lou Ella Theresa Hardy Meaux, who passed away on July 18, 2025 at Vermilion Heath Care Center. She was 84.

Visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan on Monday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM. The visitation will continue Tuesday from 8:00 AM until the services at 11:00 AM.

Born in Abbeville Louisiana to Hazel Hebert and Awill Hardy, Lou Ella was the first of her parents’ six children. With an older half-sister, Delores, she was the oldest sister of brother’s Joe and Leo, and sister’s Dorothy, Peggy and Maxine. She attended Abbeville High School. She married Jimmie Jones Meaux Sr. in 1959 and moved to Kaplan. They were married for over 40 years and shared many memories together.

She is survived by three daughters, Mary, Annette (Ricky Schexnyder) and Jessica; two sons, Jimmie Meaux, Jr. (Andrea) and Luke Meaux; seven grandchildren, Meaghan, Jay, Seth, Bruce, Angelle, Aimeé and André; five great grandchildren, Matthew and Gabriel Schexnider, Owen and Austin Cloud, and Lily Grace Chapman.

For many years she was a wife, mother, and homemaker who enjoyed cooking, crocheting, gardening, and visiting with her family and friends. Later she began a career as a salesperson for Godchaux’s department store in the Acadiana Mall. Over many years she honed her skills eventually winning several awards, consecutively from 1988-1990, as a top commissioned “Master Merchant” for the company, which later changed its name to Maison Blanche. She developed a loyal clientele in the “Today’s Woman” clothing department and was rightly proud of her achievements, earnings and ability to succeed at her job.

At home she excelled as a classic Cajun cook who was extremely comfortable in the kitchen. Her extravagant holiday meals were a true testament to her love of family and food and were enjoyed by all who gathered at the Meaux home to share those special occasions.

Out in the yard, she tried her hand with plants, flowers and shrubs. Over the years she focused on African Violets, Daylilies, Roses and even a Cacti rock garden. Her passion for the beauty of plants led her, perhaps at times to excess, as a plethora of pots lined her sidewalk, steps, deck and carport. Those beautiful plants and flowers brought her natural joy which she maintained until very late in life.

In her later years she became an in-home caregiver for the elderly. Assisting those in need, she cooked, cleaned and cared for the aged with both enthusiasm and a sense of compassion. In her 70’s she purchased, furnished and decorated a new home of her own, another accomplishment in which she took pride.

She was a Catholic, French speaking native who prayed the rosary like many good Cajun women. Her faith in God was steadfast and simple. She believed in keeping a clean house and in more ways than one, a clean conscious. She followed the Golden Rule and aimed to treat people fairly. She loved coffee and friendly conversation. She was an admirer of jewelry, stylish clothing and good movies with sizeable collections of each. Her freezers were full of seafood, bags of chopped vegetables and meat. Her cupboards overflowed with food, dishes, pots and pans. Some might say that she tended to overdo things; exhibited a taste for abundance. But she was also generous, caring, thoughtful to those she loved and with whom she shared both her time and good fortune.

She leaves behind a loving family, several fond friendships, a legacy of passionate pursuits, and zest for life which seldom faltered. May God have mercy on her soul. Rest in peace Lou Ella.

All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.