April 23, 1924 ~ Oct. 31, 2012

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charenton for Mrs. Bessie Ruiz Matherne, 88, a native of Pierre Part and longtime resident of Charenton, who passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 6:35 a.m., at Patterson Health Care Center.

Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Charenton. Fr. Gregory Cormier will officiate the services.

Mrs. Bessie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed sewing and crafts. But her real passion in life was spending time with her family and friends. She dedicated her life to all her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Her heart was one made of gold and always wanted to be there for anyone that needed her help. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Leroy L. Matherne of Charenton; their two children, Gary Matherne and his wife, Joan, of Baton Rouge and Iris M. Seneca and her husband, Michael, of Bayou Vista; two grandchildren, Michele S. Picou and her husband, Billy, of Patterson and Eric Seneca and his wife, Terrie, of New Iberia; and four great grandchildren, Devin and Lexi Seneca, and Taylor and Caitlyn Picou.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Angela Gautreaux Ruiz; four brothers, Russell, Norman, Wilbert and Calvin Ruiz; and one sister, Emily Ruiz Parlow.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Ibert’s Mortuary on Friday, November 2, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m.

Visitation will resume Saturday, November 3, at Ibert’s Mortuary from 8 a.m. until time of dismissal at 10:30 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Eric Seneca, Devin Seneca, Morgan Parlow, Morgan Parlow III, Cordell Ruiz, Earl Matherne and Blaine Mayon.

Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc. of Franklin.