Dianna Marie Fontenot was one of five children born to Jean and Dula Ashford. She was born July 24, 1943, in Eunice, La.
During her sixth-grade school year she became friends with a young boy, Arch Fontenot. Little did she know, the friendship would blossom and grow into love by her high school years. Upon graduating from Eunice High School, she and Arch exchanged vows and she later joined him in Hawaii while he was on R and R.
Following his deployment to the war, he was stationed in Alaska, it was there she fell in love with traveling as it eased her homesickness.
She and Arch welcomed two children, a daughter Melissa and a son Russell. Arch was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, a job he prided himself on, as it allowed her to stay home to raise their children. As a family they traveled to Alaska, D.C., California, Colorado, Texas, and finally home to Louisiana upon retirement after twenty years of service.
Dianna held a positive attitude no matter her struggles, before her passing she reassured her husband that she had lived a long, good, and happy life with him. A life full of family, travel, wonder, beauty, dancing, and a wide variety of concerts.
She was welcomed into Heaven on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, after a battle with Vascular Dementia. Those who welcomed her were her parents and two brothers, Leroy and LeeVerne Ashford.
Those left to cherish her memory; her beloved husband of 61 years, Arch Fontenot; children, Melissa (Chris) Matthews and Russell (Shannon) Fontenot; grandchildren Alexander, Cameron, Sam, Maya; a brother, Donald (Pam) Ashford; a sister, Mary Bordelon; and a sister in-law, Lena Klein.
The family to welcome friends at Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, beginning 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. Visitation to resume Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, beginning at 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Funeral Mass led by Father Paul Jussen will be held at Our Lady Good Council Catholic Church beginning at 2 p.m. with burial to follow at Consolata Cemetery.
The family extends a heart felt thank you to Heart of Hospice for their excellent care and compassion in their time of need.
In honor of her memory, family invites you to donate in her honor to Alzheimer’s Association.