Thelma Eunita Ard

Thelma Eunita Ard, 76, of Winnabow, NC, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Brunswick Cove Living Center.

She was born in Rockingham, NC, on June 27, 1939, daughter of the late Furman Corbitt Ard and Lillie Gainey Ard.

Thelma was a woman of courage, strength, adventure, fun, and compassion. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, and fishing. Thelma was a huge Elvis fan and loved the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and Duke basketball. Thelma helped found Safe Haven of Pender County, a domestic violence shelter. She also frequented nursing homes every week with bananas, candy, and her tambourine in order to bring joy and delight to the residents. Thelma was a member of Castle Hayne Baptist Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Cindy Bolden and husband Tim of Raleigh, and Pam Roghelia and husband Joe of Leland; nine grandchildren, Trent Naylor, Layne Bolden, Brianna Roghelia, Forester Roghelia, Ethan Bolden, Jordan Roghelia, John Roghelia, Jacob Roghelia, and James Roghelia; and ex-husband, David Rice. She was preceded in death by a son, John Rice, brothers, Furman Ard and Nicky Ard, and a sister, Vickie Clayton.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Castle Hayne Baptist Church with Pastor Billy Fowler officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to Safe Haven of Pender County, P.O. Box 657, Burgaw, NC, 28425, or to InterAct, 1012 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC, 27605.