Beatrice Ard

August 6, 1942 - March 24, 2022

Beatrice Ard, affectionately known as "Ms. Bea," passed away peacefully at her home Thursday morning, March 24, 2022, at the age of 79. She was born on August 6, 1942 to Rev. Sammie and Irene Traylor in Crockett, Texas. She attended Marana High School and was a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Rillito, Arizona, where she would sing in the choir alongside her husband of 62 years, Roosevelt Ard, longtime employee of Chrysler Plymouth (Rollings/Ed Moses) /Jeep (Jim Click). Beatrice was highly skilled in arts and crafts involving beadwork, sewing, crocheting, knitting and quilting which led to her employment as an Asst. Manager at Fabrific Fabric Store and a personal assistant for Harry and Bonita Davis (Hughes Missile Systems). She was also a homemaker before retiring in 1990 due to health reasons. Her soul-food cooking was renowned amongst friends and family... especially her sweet potato pies. She was an avid reader with a library of over 1000 books, a fan of video games, Scrabble, "Chrisley Knows Best," Tyler Perry dramas, Liam Neeson films and an unrelenting passion for the game of BINGO. In 2020, she became a huge news story in Tucson during the first wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which she contracted from a rehabilitation facility during her recovery from a broken ankle. Later, she would suffer a broken hip within hospital care, requiring potential life-threatening surgery. Her struggle for life was in print and on television as many concerned readers and viewers sent prayers and well-wishes for "Ms. Bea's" recovery. She survived against all odds and returned home within months. Her wisdom, quick wit, humor and fiesty reputation made her a popular confidant amongst friends and family alike. Most of all, she wants to be remembered as a good person. Please remember her kindly. She was a blessing to all who knew her and a reminder of what strength and love should be. She is survived by her loving husband, Roosevelt Ard, two loving daughters, Jenise Ard and Lisa Mattice (Travis), two son-in-laws, Joe Sandefur and Howard Mattice, one loving aunt, Mamie Traylor, four loving grandchildren, Gerren Ard, Torrian Sandefur, E'Lon Sandefur and Tre' Sandefur, one great-grandchild, Le'Andre Sandefur, and a multitude of sibling-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held on Good Friday, April 15, 2022 at Evergreen Chapel, 3015 N. Oracle Rd. Visitation starts at 10:00am. Services begin at 11:00am.