Janice Fruge' Leitko

With the deep sorrow that accompanies tremendous love, the family of Janice Frugé Leitko announces that she passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the age of 75. 

 Born and raised in Basile, Janice was proud of her Cajun heritage and carried it with her throughout her life. She attended both Basile High School and Elton High School and continued her education at Spencer Business College in Lafayette. Shortly thereafter, on a lark, Janice moved to Houston to look for jobs. 

In her early career, she broke barriers as the first woman in sales at Oilwell Division of U.S. Steel and was transferred to New Iberia. Later, she worked in the front office of Lamar Elementary School in The Woodlands, TX, where she touched the lives of countless children, teachers, and parents. She and her husband Mike lived in Texas for nearly 40 years before moving to Greenville, SC in 2019 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. 

Deeply loving, fiercely loyal, forever curious, riotously funny: no words are truly adequate to describe how special Janice was. She maintained a balance that was uniquely her — playful yet reflective, feisty yet compassionate, stubborn yet inquisitive. Whatever life threw at her, she drew peace and strength from her love of others — especially Mike, her husband of 46 years. 

 Janice never met a stranger. She was the type of person whose warmth and authenticity immediately drew others in. Airplane seatmates, pharmacy cashiers, restaurant servers, pest control guys, people in line at the DMV — anyone in her vicinity became her new friend. She’d learn your life story in five minutes flat. Even basic trips to the grocery store often took hours, because Janice always knew everyone in town and was an enthusiastic conversationalist. She also was a particularly thoughtful gift giver and put a lot of time and effort into making sure everyone around her felt loved and included.

 She loved traveling, decorating, trying new restaurants, gardening, entertaining, crafting, and going to concerts. Some of her favorites were Joe Cocker, George Strait, Van Morrison, and Willie Nelson. An amazing cook, Janice was especially known for her rice and gravy, sauce piquante, and — her grandkids’ much-requested favorite — chicken and sausage gumbo. 

And boy, did she love those grandkids. She kept the pantry stocked with all their favorites: Little Debbies, Lunchables, and Bluebell ice cream. Janice delighted in watching Cal and Lennie grow — their happiness was her happiness. They were the joy and energy of her life, and they loved their Grammy beyond words.

 Janice leaves behind a host of people who loved her deeply and will cherish her memory, especially her husband Mike Leitko of Greenville, SC; her two children, daughter Jessica Leitko Fields and husband, Dan, and son Travis Leitko and wife, Sally Boman, all of Greenville; her grandchildren Callahan and Eleanor Fields; brothers Clifford Frugé and wife, Joan, of Soileau, and Jerry Neil Granger and wife, Shannan, of Covington; as well as extended family and friends. 

 She is preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Margie and Jesse Granger, and her father, Eston Frugé.

 We will gather to honor the memory of a beloved soul who graced our lives with warmth and kindness. At the wishes of the family, a visitation to pay respects and offer condolences will take place at Ardoin’s Funeral Home, located at 1210 South Ryan, Basile on Friday, August 16th from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Rosary ceremony scheduled at 6:00 pm to offer prayers and blessings. On Saturday, August 17th the doors will open at 8:00 am once again at Ardoin’s Funeral Home, where loved ones can gather until the time of services at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Oberlin with Deacon Gary Gaudin, officiating.

 Memorials or donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.

 Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Basile, 1210 South Ryan Street (337)432-6726 is in charge of arrangements.