Born February 19, 1959, in Eunice, Louisiana, Gwen grew up in Baton Rouge and graduated from Woodlawn High School where she was known for her beautiful singing voice as part of the chorus as well as her rough and tumble spirit as a rodeo competitor.
Gwen grew up in a horse loving family, her home always brimming with love, good food, cowboys and cowgirls. She spent hours on horseback for pleasure and competing in rodeo barrel racing, also riding bulls in keeping with the young tomboy’s quest to keep up with her beloved big brother Randy, whom she adored beyond measure. But there was no mistaking Gwen’s stunning beauty, outside and in, as she ventured into life’s personal and professional endeavors. In her twenties Gwen took off into the world as a flight attendant serving people from all places and backgrounds, forming friendships that would last her lifetime. She later settled in Lafayette where she founded and grew Images Modeling Agency, nurturing young talents behind the scenes and enjoying time in front of the camera as well. More fun and fulfillment followed as Gwen took to the small screen as host of the FOX44 Kids Club show in Baton Rouge in the late 80s, early 90s.
Gwen’s big heart and unique gift for pouring compassion into people eventually brought her into the funeral home industry. For over a decade, she touched countless lives as she served the needs of families in their time of despair. Most recently, Gwen found great joy working with people to get them into their dream homes as a new home sales consultant.
It was always about loving on people for Gwen, and that often meant something was cooking on the stove, whether a meal for one friend or dozens descending on her home. Her deep-rooted Cajun adopted Italian momma arms were always open. Gwen also had a life-long love of all animals, especially her many dogs, including Angell, Image, Harley, Cooper and Molly.
Gwen’s greatest joy, though, came with the arrival of Trevor, her only son with Don Ragusa, the love of her life. Gwen relished being a mother, and Trevor stole the show, pulling up the rear of the cousins in the big, crazy, loud, fun-loving, ever-laughing Ragusa family that didn’t know what hit it when Gwen entered the scene.
Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Goldman and Wienola “Kitty” Fontenot; her brother, Randy Fontenot; and sister-in-law, Gerri Hughes. She is survived by her son, Trevor Ragusa and his wife Skylar; husband, Don Ragusa; brother and sister-in-law, Brigham and Bette Ragusa; sisters-in-law, Jennifer Aufill Fontenot and Jo E. O’Neill; nieces, Bethany Fontenot, Julie O’Neill, Laurie Linehan (Brendan), Heather Ragusa and Josie Ragusa; nephews, Pete Goff, Ricky Goff, Steve Goff (Madalyn), Raph O’Neill (Peggy), Jimmy Wilson (Holly), Dr. Steve Ragusa (Christine), and Stetson Owen.
Trevor and the family extend their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to Gwen’s devoted friends who offered unwavering support for Gwen during her illness in the final weeks of her life, including Callie Cline who was a daughter to Gwen, and Robin Lormand, Gwen’s dearest life-long friend.
Pallbearers will be Trevor Ragusa, Dominic Cline, Stetson Owen, Hunter Becnel, Jace Pennell, and Jared Leger. Honorary pallbearers will be Brigham Ragusa, Chuck Cline, Anthony Johnson, and Wesley Keller.
Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA on Tuesday, February 11th from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue Wednesday, February 12th from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am and burial immediately following at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.greenoaksfunerals.com.
