Barbara Elizabeth Ricketts Bolden, 83

BRIDGEVILLE, Del. - Barbara Elizabeth Ricketts Bolden, of Bridgeville, DE, formerly of Federalsburg, MD, passed away on March 6, 2008 at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford, DE. She was 83 years old.

She was born Aug. 28, 1924 in Federalsburg, the daughter of the late Charles Holland and Madeline Ricketts Nichols. Her husband, William F. "Zack" Bolden preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 1998.

She was a homemaker and Avon representative for 25 years. She enjoyed cooking, baking, shopping and taking care of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed listening and watching religious programs on television. She enjoyed her family and her role as matriarch. She was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Federalsburg. She faithfully visited and called the shut-ins of the church.

She is survived by six children, Shirley A. Evans (George) of Finchville, MD, Vanessa A. Elliott of Bridgeville, DE, Vanee D. West (Martin) of Seaford, DE, Gloria J. Bolden of Seaford, William R. Bolden of Spring Grove, PA, and Reuben F. Bolden of Palm Springs, CA; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, two sisters-in-law, Jean Bolden of Federalsburg, MD, and Marie Evans of Bowie, MD, and a son-in-law Kenneth Elliott. A sister, Alice, preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the Framptom Funeral Home in Federalsburg with Pastor Peggy M. Briggs officiating. Interment will follow at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, MD. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday.

To send letters of condolences, please visit www.framptom.com