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Wanda Montgomery, 77, born on January 11, 1941, a native of San Francisco, California and 55-year resident of Bayou Vista, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 5:14 p.m. at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center surrounded by family.
Wanda had a way of bringing people together, always welcoming each with a hug. She always wore the most infectious smile that lit up every room. She enjoyed traveling with her daughters and husband, shopping, eating at Olive Garden, and making every Christmas unforgettable. Her family was her life; her legacy is that of unconditional love which she instilled in each member of the family. We are reminded daily when we look into our children’s eyes for you can see her and the love that she shared with us all. She was so proud of all her family and said so often!
Wanda will be greatly missed by her husband of 45 years, Billy Montgomery; a sister, Bobbi Rae; a brother, Leo Albert; six loving children, Charlie Montgomery, Laura Hebert and spouse Evan, Anna Leblanc and spouse Rick, Mona Thibodeaux and spouse Gerald, Terry Montgomery and spouse Jennifer, and Tommy Thompson; her 16 grandchildren, Marc, Chad, Shayla, Ryan, Kristen, Paige, Troy, Beau, Cody, Brandon, Kristen, Meagan, Quinn, Austin, Cade and Tyler and their spouses; Wanda’s 22 great-grandchildren and one expected in September brought much joy to her days.
Wanda was preceded in death by her mother and father, Lawrence and Mary Elizabeth Ludington; mother and father-in-law, Callie and Frank Adams; and brother-in-law, Tony Rae.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Hargrave Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 1 p.m. After services, Wanda will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Marc, Chad, Ryan and Troy Cormier; Cody LeBlanc; Brandon Chauvin; and Quinn, Austin, Cade and Tyler Thibodeaux.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Chitimacha Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported the following arrests:
Rodney Comeaux, 60, of Julia Street, New Iberia, was arrested Wednesday on the charge of theft, and was released on a summons.
On March 11, an officer responded to a tribal business in reference to a suspected theft. During the investigation, it was learned that Comeaux allegedly committed the theft but had already gone. A warrant for theft was issued for Comeaux. He was arrested on the warrant and the charge.
Joshua Barr, 35, N Dubois Road, New Iberia, was arrested Wednesday on the charge of theft over $1,000. He was transported to the parish jail.
Officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a suspected theft. During the investigation, it was learned that Barr had allegedly committed the theft and he was arrested.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Chance Boudreaux, 23, of Patterson, was additionally charged with aggravated battery on Wednesday at 11:31 a.m.
John Williams III, 31, of Morgan City, was additionally charged with aggravated battery on Wednesday at 11:31 a.m.
Dion Maize, 25, of Morgan City, was additionally charged with simple battery Wednesday at 11:31 a.m.
Frank Rock Jr., 30, of Patterson, LA was additionally charged with simple battery Wednesday at 11:31 a.m.
Correctional deputies at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center observed a fight between inmates in a dorm. Boudreaux, Williams, Maize, and Rock engaged in the altercation with another inmate, during which Williams and Boudreaux struck the male victim with the lid of a water cooler. All four inmates remain incarcerated with no bond set.
Eugene Green, 38, of 71½ Lee St., Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on a Franklin Police Department warrant for charges of domestic abuse battery second offense and second-degree battery.
A Criminal Investigation Section detective developed information that Green, who was wanted on the warrant, was at a residence in Centerville. Deputies located Green and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $250,000.
Malcomb Williams III, 18, of 403 Broussard St., Patterson, was arrested Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of flight from an officer, speeding and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license. Williams was also charged on a warrant for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of probation.
Williams was transported from the Patterson Police Department jail to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center on the warrants. Bail is set at $2,250.
Leonard Stewart, 46, of 165 Lot A, Garrett St., Charenton, was arrested Wednesday at 9:45 p.m. on a warrant for the charge of aggravated battery.
On March 5, a deputy began an investigation into a battery reported from an area hospital. The deputy found evidence that Stewart struck a male victim in the head while holding a utensil, causing a large cut to the victim’s face. The battery occurred during an argument between multiple subjects outside a residence in Four Corners. The deputy obtained a warrant for Stewart’s arrest. Stewart turned himself in to a deputy at the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office in Franklin. The deputy transported Stewart to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Kenneth Scadlock Jr., 28, was arrested Thursday at 12:14 a.m. on charges of no proof of insurance and expired driver’s license.
A deputy investigated a one vehicle crash on US 90 in Bayou Vista and identified the driver as Scadlock. The deputy found that Scadlock’s license was expired and that he had no proof of insurance on the vehicle he was driving. Scadlock was released on a summons.
Christopher Martin, 31, of Berwick, was additionally charged with possession of Schedule III suboxone and entering contraband into a penal institution Wednesday at 3:43 pm.
A Narcotics Section detective was called to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center in reference to a correctional deputy locating suboxone strips on inmate Martin. Martin remains incarcerated with no bond set.
Jason Cavalier, 43, of 518 Hilda St., Morgan City, was arrested Thursday at 12:56 p.m. on the charge of burglary of a vehicle.
A deputy responded to a call for service at a business in Amelia where a battery was stolen from a vehicle. The suspect in the crime was positively identified Cavalier. The deputy went to his residence to speak with him, however, he was not at the location. After learning that a deputy was requesting to speak with him, Cavalier returned to the business in an attempt to pay for the item he stole. The deputy responded to the business and made the arrest. Cavalier was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. He was released after posting a $3,500 bond.
Davontraye Johnson, 23, of 106 Southeast Boulevard Apt. #7, Bayou Vista, was arrested Thursday at 8:47 p.m. on charges of possession of Schedule I marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A deputy investigating a report of illegal drug activity made contact with Johnson at his residence. The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the apartment. The deputy received consent to search the location and found glass pipes used to smoke marijuana, a marijuana cigar, and a grinder used to prepare marijuana for smoking. Johnson was released on a summons.
Tyrone Weber, 34, of 115 Kerry Lane, Charenton, was arrested Thursday at 10:16 p.m. on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, careless operation, possession of Schedule I marijuana, resisting an officer with force or violence, battery on a police officer, threatening a public official and a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family.
A deputy was dispatched to a vehicle crash on Flattown Road in Charenton. The deputy observed an SUV overturned on its driver side door. The deputy identified the driver as Weber. While speaking with him, the deputy smelled the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage and observed other signs of impairment. The deputy also smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The deputy received consent to search the vehicle and found a partially burnt marijuana cigarette. During the arrest, Weber attempted to forcefully pull away from deputies and struck one deputy in the face. Weber also made threats to a deputy. Weber was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Daryl Walker, 22, of 8867 Riverview St., Redford, Mich. was arrested Friday at 11:29 p.m. on the charge of possession of Schedule I marijuana.
Aaron Toles, 22, of 6780 Vaughn St., Detroit, Mich. was arrested Friday at 11:29 p.m. on the charge of possession for Schedule I marijuana.
A deputy investigating a suspicious vehicle on La. 182 in Amelia made contact with the driver and a passenger in Morgan City and identified them as Walker and Toles. During the traffic stop investigation, the deputy located bags of marijuana and found evidence that the marijuana belonged to both subjects. Walker and Toles were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and later released on $2,000 bonds.
Eddie Caldwell, 55, of 119 Paul Frederick Drive, Luling, was arrested Saturday at 5:08 p.m. on the charge of theft.
A deputy responded to a call for service regarding shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. The deputy located the suspect leaving the store and detained him. During the investigation, the deputy found evidence that Caldwell concealed items and attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise. Caldwell was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Caldwell was released on a summons.
Delton Williams, 36, of 117 Emy Lane #56, Patterson, was arrested Saturday at 6:39 a.m. on a warrant for charges of second degree battery involving domestic violence and cruelty to a juvenile.
In August of last year, a deputy investigated a call for service regarding a battery. The deputy found evidence that Williams struck a teenage male victim in the face causing an injury. The deputy obtained a warrant for Williams’ arrest. Williams was located at his residence on the warrant and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Lacey Yates, 34, of 111 Cypress Lane, Patterson, was arrested Sunday at 2:55 p.m. on the charge of criminal trespass.
A deputy responded to a call for service about a trespasser at a residence on Jupiter Street in Bayou Vista. The deputy made contact with Yates who had been previously told by another Sheriff’s deputy that she was not allowed on the property. Yates was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $1,000.
Ta’jah Ballet, 19, of 115 Oak St., Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 4:47 p.m. on the charge of possession of Schedule I marijuana.
Narcotics detectives patrolling in Franklin observed a vehicle traveling in the middle of the roadway. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on Curtis Road and identified the driver as Ballet. Detectives observed Ballet attempting to conceal an item beneath her seat. They received consent to search the vehicle and found several burnt pieces of marijuana cigarettes. Ballet was released on a summons.
Constance Adams, 32, of 1707 Fern St., Patterson, was arrested Thursday at 2:45 pm on the charge of possession of Schedule I MDMA.
A deputy speaking with Adams at the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office in Morgan City smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from her belongings. The deputy received consent to search Adams’ purse and found pill bottle containing 21 ecstasy pills. Adams was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Douglas Mackey, 24, of Cherry Street, Cherokee, Iowa, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested Thursday at 11:59 a.m. on warrants charging him with parole violation.
Mackey was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.
Ricky Lemon, 49, of Isabella Street, Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 7:39 p.m. on charges of obscenity, introduction of contraband into a penal institution and possession of marijuana. Lemon was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at time of press release.
Courtney Bourda, 33, of Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested Friday at 1:48 p.m. on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Schedule I narcotic marijuana. Bourda was booked, processed, and released on a $750 bond.
Robert Matthews Jr., 28, of Hamilton Street, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 7:33 p.m. on charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and battery of a dating partner. Matthews was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

On March 17, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the wearin’ o’ the green, and on March 19 special altars and devotions mark St. Joseph’s Day. These are special occasions and just about everyone at least takes note of them. That’s why I have for a long time felt sorry for St. Frigidian.
His feast day is March 18, but, wedged like he is between big guys like Patrick and Joseph, nobody gives him even a nod, let alone a celebration. He probably doesn’t mind; he lived a good part of his life as a hermit even though he had regal blood and was made a bishop. But it still bothers me.
He was born in Ireland, the son of King Ultach of Ulster, and was said to have studied in an Irish monastery. After St. Frigidian was ordained a priest, he made a pilgrimage to Italy and took up life as a hermit near the city of Lucca. In 556, Pope John II persuaded him to become bishop of Lucca, but Frigidian still maintained a simple lifestyle.
A hermit’s life doesn’t offer much inspiration for a party, even in south Louisiana, where we will celebrate anything, but his most famous miracle may give us a little something to work with. It involved the Serchio River, which, like some of our waterways, regularly overflowed into the town of Lucca.
According to the legends, when the townspeople begged their saintly bishop to do something about the floods, he walked down to the river bank and began to rake a little path leading away from the town and into nearby fields. After that, as the story goes, the overflow brought fertile silt into the fields but stayed away from the town.
There may be a gleaning there, though it’s evaded me so far.
But, while I have your interest — I do have your interest, don’t I? — there are a couple of other worthy March celebrations that you need to mark on your calendar.
For example, you probably forgot altogether that March 1 has been National Pig Day in the United States since 1972. Two sisters Ellen Stanley, a teacher in Lubbock, Texas, and Mary Lynne Rave of Beaufort, North Carolina, thought we needed a day set aside “to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man’s most intellectual and domesticated animals.”
There seems to be a difference of opinion over whether we should honor pigs by giving them a break (March 1 is also our national Peanut Butter Lovers Day) or whether we should show our appreciation for pigs by eating barbecued ribs. Personally, I don’t see how there can be a celebration of the pig that doesn’t involve cracklins.
Did you toast March 11 with apple cider? That was Johnny Appleseed Day, when we remember John Chapman, who became a legend promoting apple trees. The popular image is of a man who altruistically spread apple seeds randomly across the country. That’s not quite right. It’s true that he planted orchards and gave them away for other people to tend. But he didn’t have much overhead, since cider mills gave him the seeds for free. They wanted people to grow more apple trees so they could make more cider, and Johnny got a cut when the apples were sold.
My math-minded friends (both of them) usually do something special on Pi Day. It is observed on March 14 (3/14) because, as you member from your high school math, the mathematical constant pi is roughly equal to 3.14. I vaguely remember that Pi has something to .do with circles, but you need to ask someone else if you want to know more.
Some fanatics celebrate Pi Minute on March 14 at 1:59 p.m. Pi stretched to seven decimal places is 3.1415926, making March 14 at 1:59:26 p.m. Pi Second. That’s when you should toot that little roll-out tooter left over from New Year’s Eve.
I’m told that a proper Pi Day celebration should involve pies, which may offer an idea of to what to do for poor St. Frigidian. Wrap ‘em all together. Celebrate the day with leftover green beer, cracklins, something Italian from the St. Joseph altar, and a slice of apple pie. Just to give it local flavor and a Frigidian character, throw in a few boiled crawfish pulled from a flooded field.
If you’re on a tight budget, just the cracklins and crawfish will do.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, Cajuns and Other Characters, is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

The Daily Review/Bill Decker
The Rev. Michael Russo conducts a service Thursday in front of the St. Joseph's Altar on at the Maison Jardin Senior Living Community in Morgan City. Russo's mother, Lucy Russo, is a Maison Jardin resident, and he was present for the facility's first such altar, a celebration of Italian and Catholic heritage. To Russo's left are Dr. Hector Ruiz, Ruiz' great-grandson, Sam Stegall, and his daughter, Mary Ellen Stegall.