Rhoda Lou Ward

Rhoda Lou Tucker Ward of Arlington, TX passed away on January 17, 2021, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s and complications from Covid. She was born the fourth of five children on January 11, 1935 in Oden, AR to Vell Tucker & Hettie Bryant Tucker of Pencil Bluff, AR. She attended schools in Oden where she met the love of her life, Harold Dee Ward also of Pencil Bluff. They married on July 4, 1952.

Their early life saw them living in Fort Sill, OK while Harold served in the U.S. Army. Debra, their first child was born during these years. After his years of service ended in 1955, they moved to Hot Springs, AR where Kathy, their second child was born in 1957. Harold was transferred to Arlington, TX with Sears in 1958 where Randy, their third child was born in 1959.

Rhoda started working part time at Sears and from there went to Treasure City as a bookkeeper. After the closing of Treasure City she took an accounting position at Kmart for many years. Her final place of employment was at J.C. Penney’s in the Personnel Department from which she retired in 1997.

After retiring Rhoda & Harold traveled to many places. One of their accomplishments was to visit and photograph every courthouse in Texas. They enjoyed their many journey’s across Texas in their travel trailer. Sometimes other family members would ride along. The trip they loved the most was their 25th Wedding Anniversary to Hawaii. She cherished all the many trips she took with her grandchildren also.

Rhoda had many hobbies including collecting antiques, cake decorating, crafts, sewing, crocheting and her love of gardening. Another hobby she acquired late in life was bowling. She bowled for many years on a league with her next door neighbor, Dorothy. She was very active up until Alzheimer’s began to steal her memories. She spent her last years at Martin Crest Assisted Living & Memory Care facility in Weatherford, TX. The caretakers all loved Mom and took great care of her.

Rhoda was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Harold; brother Farrell Tucker of Bend, OR; sister Lela Mae Leighton of Grapevine, TX; brother Bill Tucker of Hot Springs, AR; brother James Tucker of Beebe, AR; her parents, and son in law David F. Backer.

She is survived by daughter Debra Ward; daughter Kathy Backer; son Randy Ward (Diana); granddaughter, Amy Hurta (Blake); grandson, Daniel Ward; grandson Scott Backer and granddaughter, Heather Heitmann (Mike); great grandchildren Brett Hurta, Jake Hurta, Logan Heitmann and Bailey Heitmann and lots of family members she loved dearly.

Private graveside service is on January 28, 2021. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial planned for later in year.

We would like to thank Martin Crest Assisted Living & Memory Care facility for their care and compassion during Rhoda’s years living there.