Rudianne "Rudi" Nesbit Lanehart

Rudianne (Rudi) Nesbit Lanehart, a woman of profound faith and boundless affection, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the age of 75. A native of Baton Rouge, Rudi was born on June 2, 1950, and spent her life serving as a devoted mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

A proud 1968 graduate of Saint Joseph’s Academy, Rudi went on to earn her degree in business from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Rudi then joined the family business helping her parents manage Ortlieb Press, first as part of the sales team, then later, managing their accounting department. While she achieved much, she considered the greatest joy and calling of her life to be the raising of her two children and her role as the "favorite aunt" to her many nieces and nephews.

Rudi’s life was defined by a deep, contemplative faith. She didn't just practice her religion; she shared it as a gift, often greeting others with her signature question: “How may I pray for YOU today?” Over the years, she was an active parishioner at St. Aloysius and St. George in Baton Rouge, Our Lady of Sorrows in Birmingham, AL, and St. Lawrence in Lawrenceville, GA. She served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at every parish she called home, taught "Come Lord Jesus" classes to children, and lifted her voice in the Hallelujah and Resurrection Choirs. Beyond the pews, Rudi was a Spiritual Director who helped people with their prayer and spiritual lives, a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Marian Servant of the Divine Providence, Cenacle School of Spiritual Direction and a source of healing for both those recovering from trauma and those searching for their faith.

Deeply inspired by St. Francis, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and Padre Pio, Rudi held a special devotion to the Angels and the Blessed Mother. Her daily life was anchored in the Rosary and contemplative prayer; she was particularly proud to have completed the 15 Prayers of St. Bridget multiple times.

To know Rudi was to be enveloped in her warmth. An avid LSU football fan who lived for "all things purple," she had a beautiful way with words, filling countless cards and letters with love. She had a gift for making strangers feel like old friends, usually leaving them laughing and always calling them "Sugah." Her playful sense of humor was matched only by her parting promise to those she loved: “I love you always and forever, no matter what!”

Rudi is survived by her daughter, Cherie Dice and her husband Scott; her son, Brian Lanehart and wife Lena McDearmid; and her cherished grandchildren, Armstrong Dice, and Hannah, Sera, and Sophia Lanehart. She also leaves behind five siblings: Julie Nesbit, Madeline “Lynn” Coco, Danny Nesbit, Carmelitte Venturella, and Tim Nesbit. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur D. “Boots” Nesbit and Madeline Ortlieb Nesbit, and her baby sister, Tina Faye Nesbit.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, celebrated by Reverend Fr. Yi. In the spirit of Rudi's wishes, guests are kindly asked to wear cheerful colors — no black, please. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

Family and friends are then invited to gather at 2:00 p.m. at Drusilla Seafood Restaurant, 3482 Drusilla Lane, Baton Rouge, to celebrate the gift of Rudi's life. We will gather in the Ballroom which is easily accessed from the circle drive. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rudi's honor to the Marion Servants of Divine Providence.