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Russie Pierce-Tiller Peacefully transitioned into the spirit realm on Monday 12 August 2024. Born on 21 November 1939, she was approaching her 85th birthday.
She is survived by her husband David Tiller who retired after 26 years as a superintendent from Mitchell Energy. They were both eagerly anticipating their 47th wedding anniversary only weeks away in September. They enjoyed living on the banks of the Vermilion river in Abbeville, on a property that Russie’s parents Nellie and Casey Pierce purchased when they moved from Intracoastal City in the 50s.
In high school, Russie served on the homecoming court while her younger brother David Pierce, presently of Abbeville, was the class valedictorian and star football player. They were both active on the debate team. David had three scholarships including academic, football and performing arts. The brother and sister team moved to Los Angeles in the 60’s where Dave attended the Pasadena Playhouse. His career skyrocketed when he became a DJ at a radio station in Pasadena, CA. Russie excelled in theater working on her first documentary film in Mexico in her early twenties. Together the two would run their family business where new talented actors were trained in theatre arts.
Russie went on to star in two documentary films surrounding her larger-than-life career in Hollywood as well as authoring two books and audiobooks. Additionally, she recently did a cameo appearance in a third documentary film. Her brother Dave authored and published his book from a historical perspective on the life of a DJ in Hollywood from the 60’s onward.
She has three children. Two daughters, Lisa Honeywell, film producer, book publisher and author, Leslie Pierce a naturopathic physician and author, and son Michael Vaughn, a retired welder and author of seven works of spiritual poetry. Her grandchildren include Brandi Prisco, Holly Crenshaw and Dena Bergeron. She has seven great-grandchildren, one of which is following in Russie’s footsteps. Mia wrote her first book at age 6 and authored 3 in total which were published by the age of 8.
In lieu of a public memorial service, the family elected to host a private gathering at a later date TBA.
Russie’s favorite quotes were, “Never take one breath for granted.” “May your journey through all of your lifetimes be a pleasant one.” And “Joy riding the universe.”
Future updates will be posted on Russie’s website at MahaRussie.com, where all of her work is featured.

Rayland Joseph Hargrave, Sr.  was born August 21st, 1941 in Cow Island in Vermillion Parish, to the late Mr. Roy Joseph Hargrave, Sr. & Mrs. Eunice May Hebert Hargrave.  He was baptized on September 6th, 1941 and received his First Holy Communion in May of 1953.  Ray knew the Lord at an early age and served as an alter boy at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. He passed peacefully at home on August 9th, 2024; just 2 weeks shy of his 83rd birthday. 
"Ray" grew up loving the outdoors and working in the rice fields.  The oldest of 4 children, Ray worked hard to help provide for his parents, grandparents & siblings. 
Ray met the late Ms. Barbara Lee Fontenot, daughter of the late Mrs. Ouida & Mr. Augusta Fontenot and they married in a beautiful ceremony January 14th, 1962.  They remained married for over 55 years until her passing in 2016.
After lifetime of hard work in the oilfield for Cameron Iron Works & Dubco Wireline, Ray ultimately retired with Superior Energy Services.  Ray enjoyed his years in the oilfield, no matter the position he held.  He was well respected by his peers and he was a long-time member of the Lafayette Petroleum Club.
Rays legacy includes his children, Mr. Eric Hargrave & wife Ashley of Broussard; Mrs. Kristine Hargrave Duhe and husband Richard of New Iberia; and Rayland "Ray" Hargrave, Jr. of Baton Rouge.  Three grandchildren, Blair Duhe Segura and husband Cody of New Iberia; Kyle Duhe of Broussard; and Hunter Hargrave and wife Victoria of Sterlington.  Six great-grandchildren; Rome, Letty, Boston & August Segura and Porter & Amelia Hargrave.  Ray is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Irene Hargrave Guidry and husband John of New Iberia, a sister-in-law Mrs. Gloria Fontenot of New Iberia.  
Along with their parents, Ray joins in Heaven his beloved wife, Mrs. Barbara and a brother-in law Mr. Hank "H.A." Fontenot.
Pallbearers will be Richard Duhe, Kyle Duhe, Hunter Hargrave, Cody Segura, Rome Segura, & Jeff Dubois.  The honorary pallbearers are Porter Hargrave, Boston Segura & August Segura.
A gathering of family and friends will be hosted at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13 2024, with Recitation of the Rosary at 6 p.m. Visiting will continue Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 9 a.m. and the service will begin at 11 a.m.  Entombment will follow at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Cemetery in New Iberia, where Ray will be laid to rest next to his loving wife. Father Landry from Sacred Heart Church will be the Celebrant.
Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, (337-365-3331) is in charge of arrangements.