Rita Knight Babin, 79 years old and a resident of Baker, LA, died on August 8, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Rita was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was known for her generous loving nature and caring for others. She had a love for life, fun, and adventure and possessed high energy and determination in all things.
She was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Manuel Estalote Knight Sr and Rita Mae Pairque Knight.
She graduated from Zachary High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics at Nicholls State University (where she was a cheerleader) and one year post graduate work at LSU.
Rita married Dr. John Barry Babin in a double wedding with her sister, Gloria Knight Jumonville to Charles Jumonville Jr. They would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on August 12th. During her lifetime she was a teacher, mother, and homemaker, and during Barry’s time as a U.S. Navy Dental Officer she was a devoted military officer’s wife. After serving in the military they returned home for orthodontic residency. She worked from time to time in an administrative capacity in her husband’s orthodontist practice until her health started declining.
During Rita's lifetime she lived in Zachary, New Orleans, Norfolk, Virginia, Baton Rouge, and Baker. She especially enjoyed living life to the fullest in each place she lived. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, entertaining, carnival balls, Mardi Gras parades, LSU football and basketball games. She especially enjoyed putting on and attending family gatherings and holiday events. Rita loved planning, decorating, and cooking for large family and friend gatherings; holiday meals were her specialty. She was a member of the Le Krewe of Mystique de la Capitale of which she introduced many of her family members as debutantes, pages, and king and queen. She was also a member of the Krewe of Achiles. She was an active member of East Baton Rouge Parish Dental Wives, and she was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy for many years
As a lifelong catholic, Rita inspired her family and friends with her devotion to God and her strong belief in the power of prayer. She often wrote and compiled prayer services that she conducted in her home and in the homes of others. She also had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Survivors include: husband, Dr. John Barry Babin; sons, John Barry Babin Jr (Stacey) of Zachary, Manuel Thomas Babin, Edward Milton Babin, and Arthur Garret Babin of Baker; grandchildren, Nicholas, Wesley, Graceyn, Avery (Josiah), Kendal, Madeline and Harris; brothers and sisters, Manuel Knight Jr. (Alice), Gloria Knight Jumonville (Charles), Marianne Knight, George Knight (Yvette), Jane Knight Harelson, and Joan Frances Knight
Preceded in death by: daughters, RitaAnne and Marie Angille; sons, Joseph Kevin and James Michael;
and parents, Manuel Estalote Knight Sr and Rita Mae Knight.
Visitation at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church (445 Marquette Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70806) on Wednesday August 14 at 9:00 AM until funeral Mass at 10:00 AM by Reverend Cleo Milano. Her burial will be conducted at Roselawn Memorial Park (4045 North St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802). Pallbearers are John Barry Babin Jr., Manuel Thomas Babin, Edward Milton Babin, Arthur Garret Babin, Nicholas Jude Babin, Wesley Joseph Babin, Josiah Loubiere and Ryan Richard DesHotels.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Rita’s name to: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Traditions for Tomorrow Campaign at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church or Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College (75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA 70457).
Please join the family to celebrate Rita’s life after the funeral at the Jumonville’s home, 15605 White Tail Court, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70817
