Patricia Ann Bernard Rost

Esther—A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church in Esther, LA honoring the life of Patricia Ann Bernard Rost, 67, who passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, peacefully at her home. She will be laid to rest at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery with Fr. Manny Fernandez officiating services.

The family requests visitation and viewing hours at Vincent Funeral Home in Kaplan, LA on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM with a Rosary at 7 PM; and Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM when the procession will depart for the church.

Pat, as she was lovingly known, is survived by her sister, Nadine White of Esther, LA; her mother, Evangeline Bernard of Esther, LA; and her three children, Jace Hargrave (son) and wife Shellie Hargrave of Milton, LA, Kyle Hargrave (son) and wife Andre Hargrave of Theall, LA, and Dr. Kady Rost (daughter) of Lafayette, LA. She is survived by her four grandchildren, to whom she was known as ‘Honey’, Averi Hargrave and Emma Hargrave, daughters of Jace & Shellie Hargrave and Mason Hargrave and Hazel Grace Hargrave, son and daughter of Kyle & Andre Hargrave. She was also blessed to meet her first great-grandson, Colton Clay Hargrave. She is also survived by her Godchildren Kristin Bernard, Charlie Choate, and Tadeo Velazquez.

She is preceded in death by her father, James Presley Bernard; niece, Zendra J. White; and close friend, Judy Broussard, amongst many others that were continuously in her prayers. Pallbearers include Kyle Hargrave, Jace Hargrave, Mason Hargrave, Johnny Choate, Marcus Benoit, and Daniel Durke. Honorary Pallbearers include Darren Perry, Blaine Faulk, Harold Marceaux, Mark Comeaux, Hunter Gaspard, Brennan Clark, and Jansen Trahan.

Pat Rost was most passionate about her love for her family and friends, community, religion, and life itself. She will be immensely missed by her family and many, many friends. Her favorite job was being a mother, and second, her 40 years of commitment to Kaplan State Bank where she eventually became the first female Vice President. At the bank, she most importantly contributed to those in most need of financial assistance, immeasurably. Community-Building and Economic Success were two of her most favorite topics to participate in. She served as a non-compensated member of the Vermilion Economic Development District Board of Commissioners, as well as Board member of Vermilion Leadership. She was also a past President for Vermilion Economic Development Alliance and a past President of Vermilion Parish Chamber of Commerce for numerous years. During the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Rita, she took on leadership efforts for the Road Home Program and helped many families rebuild. In total, she served on Vermilion Parish committees for more than 20 years.

Last, but certainly not least, Pat Rost was a very devout Catholic and was known by many for circulating prayer lists around Vermilion Parish, leading weekly rosaries, and holy hours for countless years. Not only was she Trustee for St. John and St. James Catholic churches and Eucharistic Minister, but her absolute favorite passion was teaching confirmation and communion religion classes for over 30 years in Maurice, LA, Henry, LA, and Esther, LA. She loved nothing more than to prepare our youth to face the battles of life with God’s touch through prayer.

She has created a profound legacy and an everlasting impact on communities throughout South Louisiana, particularly in Vermilion Parish. Vermilion Parish lost an extremely influential leader, and it is important to note that she was the first female in Vermilion Parish to hold many of these leadership positions. Many doors were opened by her for our community’s future successes in various sectors.

Rosaries and Recipes

No matter if a sinner or an angel,

Were to sit at her table

She'd feed them stuffed full of possibilities

To leave and conquer life's tragedies

Because she's got the rosary and recipes.

Have you ever been hungry for laughter?

Or starving from a disaster?

Then take a seat and heal

Over conversation and a meal

As she provides a break from broken realities

Cause she's got the rosary and recipes.

Maybe its the beads that turn

Or the stove that burns

Both with the intention to feed

An empty belly for food it needs

Or a wandering soul to be put at ease

With her rosaries and recipes

I've lost count of all that have sat

At the table of Pat's

I couldn't tell you if they were lost or found

Because at her table you are safe and sound

And before you walk out of her door,

You have a cup filled and ready to pour

For when someone in need takes a seat

At your table, I hope you repeat

Her specialties

Of rosaries and recipes

On behalf of my family and I, I'd like to genuinely thank all of you for the ongoing and continuous outpour of support. Sharing her with you all has been the greatest joy of my life. Although she will no longer be with us on earth, please continue to believe in miracles and prayer for this very special community.

- Dr. Kady Rost, Pat Rost's Lil Girl