Evelyn Rockenbaugh Guion Estay passed away peacefully at her home in Patterson, Louisiana, on June 27, 2025, at the age of 78. A lifelong resident of Patterson, Evelyn was a devoted mother, grandmother, educator, and community servant whose life was defined by compassion, faith, and service.
Born on July 21, 1946, in Morgan City, Evelyn was the daughter of the late George and Lorine Rockenbaugh. She graduated from Nicholls State University with a degree in education and went on to teach mathematics for 28 years, primarily at Patterson High School. She later continued her education, receiving her Master’s Degree from Nicholls, which allowed her to mentor student teachers. Her passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom. She was a beloved educator and tutor to generations of students, many of whom returned years later seeking her guidance for their own children.
Evelyn was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson, where she lived her faith through action. She was a dedicated member of the Ladies Altar Society, the Sisters of Catholic Charities, and she served on numerous church committees. She gave her time generously to Vacation Bible School, the bereavement committee, and countless other ministries that supported her parish family.
Even after retiring from teaching, Evelyn remained active in public service. She worked for the Sewerage District of St. Mary Parish and continued tutoring math, always eager to help others succeed. Her love for her hometown was evident in her leadership with the Patterson Garden Club, where she served as president and worked tirelessly to promote the beautification of the city she loved.
In her later years, Evelyn extended her compassion to those in their most vulnerable moments, volunteering with Heart of Hospice as a counselor to terminally ill patients and their families. Her quiet strength and comforting presence brought peace to many.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, George L. Rockenbaugh and Eve Lorine Dubois Rockenbaugh; her brother, George L. Rockenbaugh Jr; her husband, Ronald Louis Estay, Sr.; and the father of her children, Thomas E. Guion.
She is survived by her loving siblings, Rose Gough, Ronald Rockenbaugh, and Pat (Mike) Lirette; her devoted children, Christine (Kip) Justilian, Jenny (Wes) Pitts, Yvonne (Robby) Madson, and David (Tracey) Guion; and her cherished grandchildren, Erin (Chris) Sullivan, Eimee Reese, Kristie Justilian, Cade Madson, Harlie Madson, Samantha Noriega, Max LeRay, Waide (Olivia) Noriega, Eli Justilian, and Dalton Guion. She also leaves behind her adored great-grandchildren, Piper Phillips, Ava Benoit, Raylynn Guidry, Reese and James Sullivan, and Josie Noriega.
Evelyn’s legacy and beautiful memory will live on in the values she instilled in her family. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have known her.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson during a 2:30 PM Mass of Christian Burial, with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 2:00 PM. Father Sal Istre will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services. She will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed Wednesday at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson from 10:00 AM until time of dismissal to the church at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Evelyn’s memory to Heart of Hospice, 1810 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, 337-828-2678, or to the Patterson Garden Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 236, Patterson, LA 70392.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Evelyn’s memorial page at www.iberts.com.