Myrtle Marie Deranger, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at her residence in Opelousas. Born on May 11, 1937, in Grand Prairie, Louisiana, Myrtle lived a life marked by dedication to learning, family, and faith.

Myrtle’s life was deeply enriched by her beloved family. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Irvin L. Deranger, with whom she shared a loving and happy marriage of 56 years; her parents, Regile Doucet, Jr. and Joycie Sebastian Doucet; and her sister, Charlene Soileau and her husband, Francis.

She is survived by her children, Kaye Deranger-Doragh and her husband, Philip Doragh, Wendy Deranger and Scott Deranger, and his wife, Toni Guidroz Deranger; and her grandchildren: Taylor Deranger Burns and her husband, Dr. Robert Burns, III, MD; Nicholas Deranger and his wife, Avery; Allie Bartels and her husband, Dr. William Bartels, DDS; Charlotte Doragh; and Amelie Doragh. She also cherished her two great-grandchildren, Stella and Eloise Burns. Myrtle’s familial blessings extend to her sister, Jan Daigle and her husband, Clayton, and her brother, Alden Doucet and his wife, Marie, along with a host of other beloved family members and godchildren.

Myrtle's academic journey was distinguished by her attainment of a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Master's Degree, and an additional Master's credential from the University of Southwest Louisiana (USL).

She began her professional career as a 4-H extension agent in Vermillion Parish. She was a public school teacher of Vocational Home Economics in St. Landry and Lafayette Parishes for approximately 30 years. Her passion for education extended as she continued to inspire young minds as an instructor and adjunct professor at USL.

She was a member and past president of the Friends of the Library in Sunset and also a board member of the St. Landry Preservationist Society.

She participated in French Tables in Arnaudville and Opelousas and also Acadiana Memories in Lafayette, where she gathered with friends to speak the French language and preserve the Acadian culture.

Myrtle also embraced her faith through devoted service as a Eucharistic minister at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Grand Coteau and Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas. She was a respected member of the Ladies Altar Society at Our Lady Queen of Angels, where her kindness and faith enriched the lives of many.

A visitation in honor of Myrtle Marie Deranger will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Skip Montet Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. A rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening. The funeral home will reopen for visitation on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas. The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and Burial will be held in the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Cemetery in Grand Coteau.

Myrtle Marie Deranger’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to education, faith, and family. Her gentle spirit, strength, and generosity will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. She will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered.

Family and friends are invited to visit our website at www.lafondardoin.com.

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