Earline “Gigi” Leah Rutter Denis, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2021, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was born on August 5, 1926, to Marie Guercio Rutter and James Henry Rutter and was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans and Newcomb College, Class of 1946. Earline enjoyed sailing and was a member of the Southern Yacht Club from the time she was 12 years old. In her younger days, she enjoyed entertaining, playing golf, and attending the races at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. In her later years, Beau, her Yorkie, was her comfort and faithful companion.
Earline was preceded in death by Augustus Henry Denis, the father of their five children; Augustus Henry “Jack” Denis, Jr., her eldest son and former husband of Mercedes “Mimi” O’Connor Fast; Eugene J. Rutter, her brother; and Carmen Denis Green, her loving sister-in-law and partner-in-crime.
Earline is survived by her sons James Rutter Denis of Plaquemine, Louisiana; Jeffrey Laurence Denis (Kathleen) of Tavernier, Florida; David Michael Denis (Susan) of Sag Harbor, New York; and daughter Earline “Peaches” Denis Willis (Tom) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
She took great pleasure in spending time with her seven grandchildren: Augustus Henry “Gusty” Denis, III (Elese) of Aspen, Colorado; James Derbigny Denis (Melissa) of Greenwich, Connecticut; Timothy O’Connor “Connor” Denis (fiancée Maureen) of New York, New York; Luke Rokas Denis of Sag Harbor, New York; Victoria Willis McKey (Briggs) of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Leah Christia “Tia” Willis of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Derbigny Willis Daroca (Kyle) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Gigi was blessed with five great-grandchildren Henry, Emma, James, Owen, and Eloise.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Annie A., a devoted caregiver, who made her laugh and appreciate the bright side of life. Additional thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge, Sunrise Assisted Living of Baton Rouge, especially Brent S., and Griswold Home Care of Baton Rouge for providing special care in making Earline’s final days as comfortable as possible.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 12:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00AM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery at All Saints Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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