Barbara Lynn Rhame, 89, of Lake Charles, La., passed from this life on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Barbara (affectionately known as “Meems” to her grandchildren) lived a very full, fun, and rewarding life. Barbara was born and raised in DeRidder, La. and was a graduate of DeRidder High School (Class of 1964). She touched many and loved her family deeply. Meems’s greatest joys in life were her husband of 59 years, her children, and especially each of her precious eight grandchildren. She enjoyed life to the fullest, laughed daily, loved to travel, watch tv, read books, decorate cakes, play video games, and visit with her numerous friends. She loved shopping for rare treasures at antique shops and thrift stores. She had great affection for animals and never turned away a stray.  She was a woman of unique talents and was especially gifted in the kitchen. She loved to cook Cajun food, grill, smoke ribs, and her coconut pie will be greatly missed during the holidays. Meems was also quite astute at playing video games, a talent she acquired in the pursuit of a hobby she could share with her dear grandchildren. 

In her earlier years she was co-captain of the family shrimp boat. It is a unique family that can create so many fond memories while laboring to make extra money, but that was one of her greatest attributes, she could make any chore a fun memory for her family. She possessed a keen sense of humor, and her laughter could take the sting out of any disappointment and dampen the blows of life.  She rose from bed happy each morning and was blessed to leave this world completely content and thankful to God for the blessings in her life. Her family will miss her greatly, think of her often, remember her fondly, and thank God for placing her at the center of our lives. 

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Larry Rhame; son, Chris Rhame (married to Kim Gallemore Rhame) of The Woodlands, Texas; daughter, Paula Rhame Begnaud (married to Stuart Begnaud) of Baton Rouge, La.; grandchildren, Ian Begnaud, Davis Rhame, Brooks Rhame, Nina Begnaud, Stella Rhame, Lila Rhame, Hannah Begnaud, and Elizabeth Begnaud; brother, Sammy Goodeaux and Jimmy Hooks of DeRidder, La.

Barbara is preceded in death by parents, Bertrand (B) Goodeaux and Tressie Hines Goodeaux; sisters, Betty Hooks, Norma Cain, Larry Bell Hicks, and brother, Jimmy Goodeaux.

It was Barbara’s wish to be cremated. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Barbara request donations to St. Jude’s or MD Anderson cancer center.