Darlene Efthemes Kibodeaux

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at a 2:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Word in Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel in Carencro for Darlene Efthemes Kibodeaux, age 80, who passed away Sunday, July 23, 2023 peacefully at her home with her husband and family lovingly by her side.

Darlene was a resident of Carencro, LA, although she was born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia. She had a successful career as a jockey agent for many of the top riders in South Louisiana, and traveled to many horse racetracks in the country. Additionally, she worked as a placing judge for Evangeline Downs Racetrack, and in the telephone industry at Pacific Bell in Canoga Park, CA and Bell South in Crowley, LA.

Darlene was strong willed and courageous in all she did, but had a heart of gold and was equally generous, loyal, and easy to create a bond with. She was full to the brim with stories and knowledge of the most interesting life experiences, and could spend hours storytelling to any eager listener. She was also an avid sports fan, and was a longtime supporter of Carencro High Football. She coached both men's recreational baseball and women's softball for several years. She also loved to be outdoors, riding 4-wheelers in Forest Hills, LA and going on horse trail-rides wherever the trails would lead her.

Among her many special talents and gifts, her greatest was being a devoted mother and grandmother. She was immensely proud of three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren that she cherished, and that she spent much of her time doting on. As the matriarch, she raised her family with strong values and built a legacy of love, commitment, and bravery. She was mighty, honest, and resilient in every way. As she would put it, she was a “hard-headed Greek.” You would be a fool to mess with her, but to know her was to love her; and that love was reciprocated unconditionally. She had a genuine soul, and will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. Darlene, a wife, mother, friend and “mawmaw” will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Andrus Kibodeaux; one son, Michael Trahan and wife Tanya; two grandsons, Chase Courville and wife Rachel, and Clay Courville and fiance Brylie Guidry; one granddaughter, Madison Trahan; and two great-grandchildren, Cohen and Adley Courville; one brother-in-law, Lee Smith; two neices, Mindy Smith Miller and Laurie Duchesne; one nephew, Anthony Efthemes; and many more dear friends and family members.

She is also survived by two step-children, Andrus (Pee-Wee) Kibodeaux Jr. and Lisa Smith; 3 step grandchildren, Michael Kibodeaux, Ashley Braus, and Heather Smith; 5 step-great-grandchildren Landon Wilbanks, Tristen Breaux and Phillip, Preston, and Cullen Kibodeaux.

She was proceeded in death by her beloved daughter Billie-Jo Trahan Courville; her parents, William and Adalene Efthemes; Brothers, William “Bill” Efthemes and Robert “Bob” Efthemes; Sisters, Thorneta “Toni” Smith, and Debora “Debbie” Taylor; close friends, Milton and Juanita “Ms. Nita” Rice and Patricia “Pat” Smith.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 10:00 am Tuesday service time on Tuesday.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Heart of Hospice - Acadiana, especially Treashur Naquin and Dyjunera “Dee” Charles for their continuous efforts and care.

Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 N. University Ave., Carencro, (337) 896-3232, is in charge of arrangements.