Rhonda Sonnier Babin, 62, was born on October 27, 1963, in rural Vermilion Parish to Ramona Rivera Sonnier and Jerry Sonnier. From an early age, she learned the values of family, strength, compassion, and hard work—values she carried with her throughout her life. A proud graduate of Delcambre High School, Class of 1981, Rhonda continued her education, earning a BA in Business from Grand Canyon University.
Rhonda dedicated over 44 years of her life to Airgas. She began working in high school at Airgas, previously Braun Welding, and worked her way through the company to the Branch Manager for the last 11 years. To her, this was more than a job; it was a career and second family she truly loved. Over the years, she built lasting business relationships and friendships, always going above and beyond to meet the needs of her customers and to help those around her.
Another of Rhonda’s great passions was the Delcambre Shrimp Festival. For more than 20 years, she gave her time, energy, and love to the festival association, serving as Treasurer and filling any other role needed. The Shrimp Festival was truly the highlight of her year, and she looked forward to it with joy and dedication.
When Rhonda wasn’t working at Airgas or helping with the Shrimp Festival, she spent her time with her beloved family. She shared her love of travel with her husband, Michael, and their children, often embarking on family trips that created memories to last a lifetime.
Rhonda also enjoyed impromptu trips with her niece, Maegan, through her travel agency, Travel Machine, where they visited destinations like Europe and Alaska. No matter where she went, Rhonda embraced each journey with a sense of adventure and joy.
Above all, family was the greatest part of Rhonda’s life. She adored her children and grandchildren, making sure to spend quality time with them. Anywhere her children and grandchildren were, that was her happy place. Rhonda’s selfless devotion to her family, her community, and her friends was unmatched. She gave of herself freely, ensuring those she loved had everything they needed and that her friendships remained strong.
Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in our faith that we will one day be reunited with Rhonda. Until that day, we will carry her memory in our hearts, living her legacy of love, compassion, and service to others.
Rhonda is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Michael Babin; her children, Ty Babin and his wife, Hannah, and Seth Babin and his wife, Nicole; her precious grandchildren, Aubrie Romero and Elliott Babin; her mother-in-law, Mattie Babin; her brothers, Roy Sonnier and his wife, Juanita, and Clint Sonnier and his wife, Janet; her brother- and sister-in-law, Ricky Babin and Kristy Babin; her nieces and nephews, Maegan Sonnier, Marisa Sonnier, Shea Sonnier, Shauna Sonnier Scott, Shani Sonnier, Kassidy Brown, and Landon Brown.
She is reunited in heaven with her parents Ramona and Jerry Sonnier, and her father-in-law, Paul Babin.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Rhonda’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Fr. Buddy Breaux will be the celebrant. Following the mass, she will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April 14, at Evangeline Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Wednesday from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm dismissal.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Roy Sonnier, Clint Sonnier, Randy Firmin, Shea Sonnier, Dwight Johnson, and Landon Brown.
Rhonda and Mike were passionate in their support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and contributed regularly to help in the treatment of childhood cancers and pediatric diseases. In keeping with their compassion, please consider a memorial contribution in Rhonda's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 503 St. Jude Place., Memphis, TN 38105.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Rhonda's memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
