By: Darrel LeJeune
Editor and As shared by Kaylin Fontenot, niece
“100 and Fabulous” were the words printed on the sash that Thea Ashford wore at her 100th birthday party.
A lifelong resident of the Duralde area between Basile and Eunice, Miss Thea has lived her entire life as a single woman, sharing her love with her family and friends.
She is one of seven children born to the union of Semien Ashford and Celeste Fruge. Only Thea and her sister Annabelle Ashford Gutentag remain on this side of Heaven. The two sisters live together now along with Annabelle’s husband on the Ashford family property. Her other siblings were Preston, Lettell, Kelly, and Burke Ashford and Euna Ashford Manuel.
Better known as “Tante,” she continues to believe that working hard, praying hard, and trusting in God will bring one many rewards in the end. She also added, “Love with all your heart.”
Thea worked as a nurse’s aid for many years, but devoted most of her life caring for her mother and father until their passing.
She never married nor had any children of her own, but she has been blessed with numerous nieces and nephews who have loved her like a mother. To some, she is like a second mother.
She always loved cooking, baking, sewing, and making quilts for church bazaars.
She also liked to give her handmade quilts to her nieces and nephews when they were married and had babies.
Her favorite past time was “working her flowers.” She always took a lot of pride in her yard and flowers that she planted there.
Born one month before the end of World War I, Thea’s early life was not easy for her and her family in the early 20th century. They grew their own vegetables and raised their own livestock to put food on the table.
The only travelling that the family ever undertook was to visit neighbors. The mode of transportation was horseback, wagon, or walking.
Thea did not plan to live a single life, but the boyfriend of her youth failed to return from the military when his plane went down during maneuvers before he was able to fight in World War II.
Miss Ashford has seen many changes over her 100 years - some good, some not so good, but she says, “I wouldn’t change anything. I am very grateful for what I have and feel blessed with a caring and loving family. Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate my 100th birthday.”