Lillie Mae Fruge

Lillie Mae Fruge, 90, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully after a short illness on March 7, 2026, at Landmark Nursing Home. Born on February 9, 1936, in Duralde to Hortence Blanchard Granger and Willis Granger, she and her husband LD made Lake Charles their home beginning in 1958. A devoted Catholic, Lillie was a loving mother and grandmother whose warmth touched everyone around her.

Thanksgiving was her favorite time of year, when she delighted in gathering her grandchildren from across the country to share a table filled with both Cajun dishes and turkey. She also cherished Saturday mornings in Mamou, where she would visit Fred’s Lounge to dance and listen to her beloved Cajun music.

Lillie is survived by her husband of 74 years, LD Fruge; daughter Wanda Fruge Dartez and son-in-law Mike Dartez; daughter Donna Lynn Fruge; son Marc Wade Fruge and daughter-in-law KellyAnn Fruge; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hortence Blanchard Granger and Willis Granger; her brother, Elray Granger; and her son, David James Fruge.