She was born on October 27, 1937, in Gueydan, Louisiana, to Oday Gaspard and Georgia Fitch Gaspard.
Juanita’s proudest moments in life were seeing her children receive their education and build wonderful families of their own.
She attended Vo-Tech School for accounting and began her career at Calcasieu Marine National Bank, where she worked until the birth of her first child. Once her children were grown, she returned to work at McNeese State University, assisting during student registration periods.
A talented cook and baker, Juanita hoped others would carry on her love for making Christmas cookies and sharing home-cooked meals. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Above all, she will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.
On November 24, 1956, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Ardoin Jr. They shared 58 beautiful years together until his passing on November 9, 2014.
Juanita was known for her warm, welcoming home—always open to friends and family—and for her ability to make everyone feel like they belonged. She volunteered for her children's school functions and enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sporting events and dance recitals.
Following her husband’s retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada, and they often delighted their grandchildren by picking them up from school for special treats.
She will be remembered for her kind heart, her strength, and her deep Catholic faith.
Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Oday Gaspard and Georgia Fitch Gaspard; her siblings, Buford Gaspard and Allie Gaspard; and her beloved husband, William “Bill” Ardoin Jr.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Greg Ardoin and wife Mary; Bryan Ardoin and wife Sherri; and Cindy Ortego and husband Kenton. She also leaves behind her sister, Helen Gaspard Hayes; four grandchildren, Jordan Ardoin and wife Meredith, Cody Ardoin, Daniel Ortego and wife Taylor, and Breanne Ardoin and significant other Jake Goodman, and her great-grandchildren, Noah Broussard, Caroline Ardoin, Louis Ardoin, George Ardoin, and Benjamin Goodman.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Heart of Hospice (especially Rachel Boggs), Dr. Bruno and her staff, and her caregivers for their compassion and loving care.
The family will welcome the public for visitation at J. E. Hixson & Sons Funeral Home Chapel of Peace, Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 9:30am until time of funeral service officiated by Monsignor Harry Greig at 11:30am. A rosary will be held at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery.
