Rena Mae Fruge was the oldest of six children born to Clement and Estella Matte. She was born in Grandlake, LA on January 23, 1931.

She was a bona-fide Cajun, Louisiana was always her home, and she grew up working alongside her father on the family farm. She attended LaGrange High School.

It was by chance while visiting a friend she met the man she would later marry. A gentleman by the name of Preston Joseph Fruge. They knew right away they needed to look no further, and on February 10, 1949 they exchanged vows.

Together they welcomed eight children, she was a dutiful spouse, proud mother, and family matriarch to her family. She enjoyed the simple things in life; attention to her faith, time with her family, and finding joy in her everyday life. A joy she enjoyed sharing with others, over the years of her employment with Mere’s Grocery, Kroger, & Market Basket as a cashier, her line was always full & she greeted every customer with jovial conversation and a smile.

She wore many hats and served under many titles; wife, mother, maw maw, and even Dutchess in her Mardi Gras Krewe. Even in her later years, she only slowed down enough to enjoy her crossword puzzles, game shows, or to read a good book. She loved attending various dances, whether it was Zydeco, Cajun, or the Jitterbug, you’d never see her pass up a chance to dance to her favorite music.

She was a lifelong member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where she taught catechism, provided communion to homebound parishioners, a member of the choir, Cajun French choir, and served on the Alter Society.

She was welcomed into Heaven on Sunday, September 26, 2021 by the love of her life and husband of thirty-nine years, Preston Joseph Fruge; two sons, Robert Lee Fruge and David Fruge; three grandchildren, Mary Mae, Davey Fruge, and Terry Lee Fruge; great-grandchild, Caden Pryce Mortensen; her parents, Clement and Estella Matte; a brother, CJ Matte; a sister, Helen Theresa Pike; three sons by-love, Raymond Miles, Donald Ray Allen, and Robert Outlaw.

Those left to cherish her memory: three daughters, Patricia Ann Miles, Janet Ruth Allen, and Merry Ellen Outlaw; three sons, Steven Paul Fruge, Jason Maurice (Joyce) Fruge, Anthony Joseph (Cindy) Fruge; twenty-four grandchildren; fifty-three great grandchildren, and fifteen great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Collins, Jean Soileau, and Diane Wetherall.

The family will welcome friends on (to be completed later). She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Highland Memory Gardens.

The family of Mrs. Fruge wishes to express heartfelt thank you to Heart of  Hospice for their kindness and care throughout her journey.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 PM Thursday, September 30, 2021 at The Vineyard,  9541 Gulf Hwy, Lake Charles, LA 70607 under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation at the Vineyard Thursday will begin with a rosary service at 10:30 AM followed by gatherings of family and friends until the time of service.  Interment services will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

We invite you to leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.johnsonfuneralhome.net