Ardath Peeke Rice, 102, passed away peacefully October 9, 2025, surrounded by love and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived. She was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina in the Flat Creek Community. Ardath was the daughter of the late Charles and Laura Whittington Carson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Bob Peeke, who died in 1985, and Jonah Rice, who died in 2002; stepdaughter, Doris Burnette (Ernest); stepson, Jonah Rice, Jr.; sister, Beverly; and brothers, Richard, Alton, Faine, Ray, and Ira; her best friend, Helen Ramsey.

Ardath grew up with strong mountain roots and a deep appreciation for her family, her Christian faith and the many friends she knew along the way. She graduated in 1940 from Flat Creek High School. In 1942 she married her husband, Bob Peeke. All her life she enjoyed singing and sang with several groups including The Happy Rhythm which included her husband Bob, Blake Ingle, and Junior Penland, The Peeke Family which included Bob, Barbara and Linie Robinson, and The Generations which included her daughter, Barbara and Joy Eller. She wrote several songs that included, "May Day", which has a special meaning for her brothers who served in the war. She sang at over a thousand funerals and weddings.

One of her greatest joys was leading the youth choir at Coles Cove Baptist Church, where she was a member at that time. The members of that choir were especially dear to her heart.

For the past 6 ½ years, Ardath made her home at Elderberry Rehabilitation where she received excellent care and heartful compassion from the staff. Her family extend gratitude for their heartfelt dedication and kindness.

Left to cherish her precious memory are her daughter, Barbara Davis (Joe); stepdaughter, Peggy Roberts (Craig); stepdaughter-in-law, Helen Rice; special daughters-in-love, Joy Eller (Barry) and Karen Fox; grandchildren, Sabra Susanne Ball (Clay), Forrest Fainn Ball, Jr., great grandchildren, Ember Carson Hughes, and Solomon Fainn Ball; 10 Step grandchildren and many great step grandchildren; as well as many, many other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, October 13, 2025, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Pastor Craig Ponder and Pastor Curtis Ponder will officiate. Burial will follow in Clark's Chapel Cemetery, Weaverville.

The family will receive friends 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.