Rachel Marie Matherne

Rachel Marie Craig Matherne of French Settlement, La., passed away peacefully Sept. 17, 2026, at her home, which she and her husband built after retiring. She was 98. Born in Alexandria, La., to Lester May Craig and Rachel Elizabeth Terry on Oct. 3, 1927, Marie was the first of seven children.

The responsibility she carried as the eldest developed her God-given talents that blessed others professionally and personally. She graduated from Istrouma High in Baton Rouge in 1944, then earned her Bachelor of Science in Vocational Home Economics Education from LSU in 1948.

Her first job at Dutchtown High School connected her with Anatole Ray Matherne, a fellow teacher who became the love of her life. They married Oct. 7, 1950, and continued their service of education in Ascension Parish. She taught home economics at Dutchtown and East Ascension Junior High while growing their family.

Her meticulous skills as a seamstress and home cook were acts of love that became traditions carried on through her six children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marie was a devoted companion to her husband of 67 years, developing remarkable expertise for shared adventures like gardening, fishing, hunting and building. She was 69 when they moved to his birthplace and began building their home. While he felled trees from the property, they planed boards together and she finished them. When she was 79, they moved into the home, where she lived for 20 years.

Marie’s incredible patience and care was a reflection of the love of Christ in her. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Gonzales for over 75 years, taught Sunday School and served as a longtime church librarian.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Kathie Matherne Polite (Butch); parents; and brother, Thomas Craig.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Matherne Gautreau; sons, Jerome (Charlotte), Terry (Sue), Mike (Lindsey), and Owen (Debra) Matherne; 15 grandchildren, Kyle Matherne, Tyler Matherne, Caitlin (Norman) Elrod, Duffi (Mark) Lawless, Khaki (Scott) Hazzlerigg, Sarah (Phillip) Losh, Brian (Nancy) Gautreau, Damon (Valerie) Matherne, Arwin Nuttal, Seth (Rachel) Matherne, Hannah (Cory) Taylor, Joseph (Megan) Matherne, Philip Matherne, John Matherne, and David (Hannah) Matherne; 28 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois Brueck, Jean Purvis, and Lula (Fred) Craig; brothers, Richard (Judy) and Harold (Lillie) Craig; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church in Gonzales on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. A private burial will take place later at Louisiana National Cemetery.

Her grandsons Damon Matherne and Brian Gautreau and sons will serve as pallbearers. Contributions to honor Marie’s memory can be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, which was dear to her.