Rowena M. Manuel

Born on December 4, 1934, in Arnaudville, Louisiana, Rowena lived a life filled with joy, laughter, friendship, and devotion to those she loved. She had a passion for travel and spent many years as a tour guide with GoodTime Tours, where her gift for storytelling, quick wit, and sense of humor brought smiles to countless people along the way.

Rowena was a former member of the Cajunette Homemakers Club in Ville Platte, Louisiana and shared her beautiful voice as a member of the choir at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. She embraced life with enthusiasm and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Whether she was dancing to her favorite music, enjoying family gatherings, sharing a joke, or simply laughing with those she loved, Rowena brought warmth and joy wherever she went.

Alongside her beloved husband Jesse, Rowena was part owner of The Jungle Dinner Club, where she warmly welcomed guests as a hostess for many years. Together, they built lasting friendships and created countless memories while serving their community with hospitality and heart. The Jungle became a beloved local landmark, renowned for its exceptional boiled crawfish, fresh seafood, and Cajun cuisine. Its reputation for outstanding food and welcoming atmosphere drew visitors from across Louisiana, making it a destination that generations of families and friends came to know and love.

Rowena was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Manuel; her parents, Lelia and Anteole Moran; and her sister, Jeanette Charles.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her daughters, Rhonda Davis, Tammy Taylor (Brent), and Dawn Gulczynski (Don). She was a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Rowena touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Her kindness, sense of humor, unwavering love for her family, and joyful spirit will be remembered always. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of laughter and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Night Wake on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Hwy. Gonzales, LA 70737, from 4PM -8PM, the Rosary will be recited at 5:30PM.

There will be a visitation and Mass in Ville Platte on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, 1012 W. Dardeau St. Ville Platte, LA 70586. The visitation will begin at 8:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Ville Platte, Louisiana. Pallbearers are Don Gulczynski, Brent Taylor, Jordan Deshotels, Jesse Deshotels, Joey Ware, and Bart Charles.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and staff at The Parc Senior Living Community for the love, friendship, and compassionate care they gave to our mother. We are especially thankful for the kindness and dignity with which she was treated each day. We also offer our heartfelt thanks to The Crossing and Clarity Hospice for their gentle care, support, and genuine compassion during her final journey. Their empathy and comfort meant more to our family than words can express.