Thelma Grace Bussard

Thelma Grace (Hevener) Bussard, age 92, of Bolar, passed away, Thursday, November 28, 2024 at her home.

She was born October 29, 1932, in Highland County, a daughter of the late George Pinkney Sr. and Bonnie Marie (Rexrode) Hevener. On June 27, 1951, she married Dale Winston Bussard, who predeceased her in 1993.

Mrs. Bussard attended and held membership with Valley Bethel Church of the Brethren. Additionally, she belonged to the Women’s Fellowship group, Extension Homemakers Club, and assisted with meals and fundraisers for the Bolar Ruritan Club.

A homemaker, Mrs. Bussard loved helping on the farm, quilting, raising a garden and canning her bounty. She also enjoyed puzzles and word searches, as well as singing her favorite song, “Jesus Loves Me.”

Above all, Mrs. Bussard will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, George Hevener Jr., Thomas “Punk” Hevener and Henry Hevener; and two sisters, Marie Knapp, and Mary Beverage.

She is survived by her daughter, Dianna Puffenbarger and husband, Mike of Bolar; son, Eugene Bussard and wife, Dona of Weyers Cave; grandchildren, Melissa Ailstock and husband, Eddie, Sara Puffenbarger and Leah Puffenbarger, all of Bolar; great-grandchildren, Abigail Grace White and husband, Corey of Monterey, and Amelia Rose Ailstock of Bolar; sisters, Rosa Waters of North Carolina, and Ruby Swecker of Monterey.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with pastor Mike Puffenbarger officiating. Burial will follow in Big Valley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bob Andrews, Bob Beverage, Wayne Beverage, Ray Pitsenbarger, Lewis Wilson, Eddie Ailstock, Corey White and Blane Ruckman.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Bolar Rescue Squad, 1099 Robinson Lane, Warm Springs, Va. 24484.