**UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, funeral services will be held at Ardoin's Funeral Home Chapel in Eunice.**

EUNICE-Rita Lavergne Johnson, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 18, 2022, at her apartment surrounded by her loving family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1011 Sittig St., Eunice, LA. Interment will follow on the grounds of St. Paul Cemetery with Father Sensat, Celebrant.

       Rita enjoyed cooking delicious Cajun meals and spending time with her family; always spoiling her grandchildren as much as she possibly could. She always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and fun grandmother and is survived by her daughter, Judy Johnson Salemi and husband, Charles; brother, Clif Lavergne; sister-in-law, Hilda Stahl; seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. As much as we miss and love you deeply, we’re happy knowing you’re with your husband of 69 years waltzing cheek to cheek across the streets of gold.
       She is preceded in death by husband, Louis “Cooney” Johnson; son and daughter in law, Ronald and Rita Johnson; and grandson, Ted Johnson.

        At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, from 9:00 am until time of services.   

       A special thanks to sitters, Becky Benoit, Bertha “Papoose” Andrus, Susie Fontenot, Amanda Menard and Zoie Menard, and especially Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care, nurse Christine Johnson. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew & loved her.

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

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