Johnnie Ruth Prather Olinger

Johnnie Ruth Prather Olinger Roberts Cove, LA – A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne for Johnnie Ruth Prather Olinger, 84, who passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Carpenter House in Lafayette, Louisiana. Visitation will be held at Gossen Funeral Home on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00am. The service will be officiated by Pastor Todd Finley of Abundant Life Church in Rayne. Burial will follow at St. Leo IV Catholic Church Cemetery in Roberts Cove. A reception celebrating her life will be held immediately following the burial. Johnnie was born on August 18, 1941, and was raised in Washington, Louisiana. She was a twin to her sister, Georgie, and later moved with her family to Rayne, where she attended Rayne High School. After graduation, she worked briefly in a law office before marrying Ray Edward Olinger in 1966. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community until his passing in August of 2024. A devoted mother, and grandmother, Johnnie dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker, supporting her husband in his farming endeavors and raising their three children with love and care. She was a loving mother to Jude Olinger (Erika), Yvette Bourque (Kirk), and Nancy Choate, and a proud grandmother to Cameron Choate, Haylie Choate, and Grace Olinger. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Edward Olinger; her parents, John and Jeanette Prather; and her sisters, Georgie Prather, Jeanette Prather Heinen, and Yvonne Prather Cramer. She is survived by her brother, Burton Prather (Cindy), and her sister, Cynthia Robertson (Lester), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Johnnie will be remembered for her generous heart and her constant desire to help others. She had a deep and abiding faith and lived her life with optimism, kindness, and a genuine interest in others. She found joy in sewing, crocheting, and gardening, and in caring for those around her. She loved her work with the American Legion Auxiliary and was a dedicated member for many years. She had a warm, welcoming presence and a natural ability to make people feel seen and supported. After moving to The Acadian Assisted Living in Crowley, she embraced that chapter of her life with enthusiasm, becoming an active and familiar presence in daily activities—especially bingo, live performances, and outings. She rarely missed an opportunity to participate and brought the same energy and curiosity to everything she did. She also had a special fondness for the ducks and ducklings in the pond there, which brought her quiet joy. She also shared a special bond with her husband, Ray – one that included, as family and friends will fondly recall, her occasional talent for keeping him on his toes. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of The Acadian Assisted Living in Crowley and to the compassionate caregivers at Carpenter House in Lafayette for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes prayers and acts of kindness in Johnnie’s memory. Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337)334-3141.

Johnnie Ruth Prather Olinger

August 18, 1941 - March 28, 2026