Graveside services for Mrs. Ardie Esther Ward, age 91 of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, May 15, 2023 at Tulip Cemetery in Athens, LA where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Cary Ward. Burial will be held under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Esther was born January 5, 1932 in Lincoln Parish, LA to Velma and Charlie Stephenson and passed away May 11, 2023 at her home in Dubach. She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Cary Ward; first husband Iron June Thomas; son George Lane Thomas; son-in-law Billy Mac Tinsley; daughter-in-law Bobby Sue Kelly Thomas; brothers C.W. Stephenson, Jr. and Big John Stephenson; and sister Ophelia Brazzel.

Esther is survived by her daughters Billie Tinsley and Pat Thomas and John; son David L. Thomas, Sr. and wife Denise Roton; six grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Monday, May 15, 2023 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston. 

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