Elsie Ward Thrift, age 87

Elsie Ward Thrift, age 87, of Rutherfordton, passed away Monday, November 20, 2017.

Born February 17, 1930 in Lincoln County, she was the daughter of the late Lee Ward and Lily Cosby Ward. Elsie worked at DAP manufacturing for many years. She was a member of Southern Baptist Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Elsie was also a hairdresser. She had a heart for the needs of others and was a caregiver to many.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, Ralph Dean Thrift; one son, Phillip Thrift; two sisters and three brothers.

Those left to cherish her memory include one daughter, Deborah Long and husband, John of Kannapolis; two sons, Gary Dean Thrift and wife, Mary Patricia of Rutherfordton and Richard Wayne Thrift and wife, Cynthia of Bossier City, Louisiana. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was conducted at the Southern Baptist Church with Rev Bob Philbeck and Reve John Perry officiating. A graveside service was conducted at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Maryland.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.