Bennett Michael Ellis

Bennett Michael Ellis, age 9, a bright light in the lives of all who knew him, was born on October 28, 2015, in Opelousas, Louisiana. His gentle spirit touched the hearts of countless friends and family members. He passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, at his residence in Port Barre, Louisiana surrounded by family.

Funeral services for Bennett will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. Father Laurent De Prins will conduct the service. The burial will be held at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas.

The pallbearers will be Phillip Ellis, Michael “Scotty” Ellis, Brad Ellis, Corey Stears, Brock Ellis and Aaron Barker. The honorary pallbearer will be Willliam Ellis.

Visitation will begin on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. The funeral home will reopen on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Bennett was born on October 28, 2015, in Opelousas, LA to Phillip and Meghan Ellis. Although his parents knew nothing about his condition at birth, it would soon become obvious that something was not entirely right with their newborn baby. After extensive testing, he was found to have a rare genetic disorder, TUBA1A. The doctors were quick to talk about all the things Bennett would not be able to do, but Bennett defied the odds and made his own path. Bennett enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved music, especially Christmas carols. He was able to travel with the help of his family. Some of his favorites were the beaches in Florida, the mountains in Colorado and the Caribbean cruise with all his favorite people. Later came his brother, William in 2020, and sister, Caroline in 2022. He loved listening to them play but loved to laugh when they got into trouble even more. He loved it when you talked to him and rubbed his head, but make sure to not touch his face. He didn’t like that! By far, his favorite thing was to ride his paw-paw Scotty’s boat, appropriately named “The Bennett.” Bennett loved to ride around the lake listening to the waves and feeling the wind and sun on his face. He made everyone slow down and be on “Bennett’s time.” He was never in a rush and was always ready to give you the sweetest smiles. He was the calm in the storm, the bright spot on any bad day. He spoke volumes without saying a single thing word.

Bennett is survived by his parents, Phillip and Meghan Fontenot Ellis; his siblings, William and Caroline Ellis; his maternal grandmother, Carolyn Fontenot; his paternal grandparents, Michael "Scottie" Ellis and Sabrina Ellis; his paternal great-grandmother, Verbal Ellis; his maternal great-grandmother, JoAnn Camarata; his maternal great-grandfather, James Fontenot; his uncle and Godfather, Corey Stears; and his Godmother, Camille Heneghan.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, John August Fontenot; his paternal great-grandfathers, James Ellis and Randy Hooks; and his great-grandmothers, Dorothy Coon and Ethel Fontenot.

Caring for a special child, takes a great team around you and Bennett was lucky to have the best! His family would like to extend sincere thanks to the many people who truly made an impact on Bennett’s life. His Primary Care Physician, Dr. Doug Gonzales. His neurologist, Dr. Lalania Schexnayder and nurse, Gina. His sitter, April Nall. The staff at Moreau Pediatric Therapy in Opelousas, especially Bethany and Emily. His nurse, Jayla Minyon. In the final days, Hospice of Acadiana and nurse, Colleen. And lastly, the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other support staff at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital- PICU. Unfortunately, Bennett had to be hospitalized quite often in his short life, but the PICU team were always there with a smile, encouragement and a hug for those hard days. These above-mentioned people were always there for Bennett and his family when they needed them, and more importantly, they listened to Bennett, even though he could not speak for himself.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.