Elsie Thrift

Elsie Ward Thrift, age 87, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Monday, November 20, 2017 at her residence.
Born February 17, 1930 in Lincoln County, NC, 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, NC; 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 will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at the Southern Baptist Church with Reverend Bob Philbeck and Reverend John Perry officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A graveside service will be conducted at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Maryland on Friday, November 24, 2017.
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.