St Gabriel, LA - Dorella Bolotte Banta passed away peacefully at her home on May 9, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on April 6, 1934, in White Castle, Louisiana, Dorella was the valedictorian of her high school class. Though she was offered a scholarship to nursing school, she chose instead to begin building a family with her husband, Frank W. Banta, Sr.

Dorella raised four beautiful children, often on and off the towboats her husband piloted along the mighty Mississippi River. She became a beloved figure in the town of St. Gabriel, known especially for her extraordinary cooking and unforgettable wedding cakes. Her radiant smile and beautiful singing voice became cherished fixtures at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, where parishioners frequently placed "unofficial orders" for her treats fresh from the oven.

Dorella never made a small pot of gumbo; she cooked as though the whole town might stop by — and often they did. Alongside the gumbo, she kept a spread of dishes to satisfy every taste. She cared deeply for her family and found her greatest joy in gathering loved ones around the dinner table.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank W. Banta, Sr.; her parents, Julien Bolotte and Louise Laglue; her siblings Howard Bolotte, Julius "Shoot" Bolotte Sr., Harold Bolotte Sr., Maurice Bolotte Sr., and Margaret Bolotte; her children Genie LaPlace and Jamie Banta; her grandson Jared LaPlace; and her daughter in law Sarah Banta.

She is survived by her sons Frank Jr. (Sandy) and Robert, and her son in law Steve LaPlace. She leaves behind seven grandchildren who were dearly cherished: Jessica Gulley, Robbie Banta, Chase LaPlace, Brooke Hays, Danielle Vincent, and Mary Banta, along with eleven great grandchildren.

We trust she now rejoices in God's embrace, reunited with those she loved.

As a final act of generosity, Dorella chose to donate her body to science in support of medical education and research.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on June 2, 2026, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3625 Highway 75, St. Gabriel, Louisiana.