Beloved Flat Creek Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday - TribPapers
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Beloved Flat Creek Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday

With a bouquet of carnations, Ardeth Carson Peeke Rice, greets her friends at her 100th birthday celebration. Photo courtesy of Joy Eller.

Flat Creek – February 19th was a day of celebration for the friends and family of Ardeth Carson Peeke Rice, who gathered at the Elderberry Healthcare in Marshall to rejoice and celebrate Ardeth’s 100th birthday. The guests remembered the many happy times they had enjoyed together over the years and the love they had received from this amazing person. This deeply Christian lady grew up in Flat Creek and attended the high school there, where she was chosen to write the class’s graduation speech.

Ardeth had five brothers and one sister. Her husband, Bob Peeke, worked for the State DOT, building and scraping roads, and passed away quite young, at the age of 66. She remarried Jonah Rice, which allowed her to enjoy a wonderful stepfamily. This 100th birthday was a fine tribute to this remarkable woman who has given so much love and set an example of God’s love to others all these years. Her daughter, Barbara Ball Davis, and close friend, Joy Eller, made the arrangements for the gathering.

L-R Joy Eller, Ardeth Peeke, and Barbara Davis, celebrate the 100th birthday of Ardeth. Photo courtesy of Joy Eller.
L-R Joy Eller, Ardeth Peeke, and Barbara Davis, celebrate the 100th birthday of Ardeth. Photo courtesy of Joy Eller.

Ardeth Peeke was well known throughout the community for her incredible musical talent. Her neighbors in Flat Creek remember hearing her sing in the yard while hanging up the laundry, while cooking a meal in the kitchen, in the car, and everywhere she went. It has been her passion: writing songs, choir directing, and singing in several groups. Every Sunday morning on WWNC radio in the 50’s, Ardeth, her husband, Blake Ingle, and Junior Penland sang as the Happy Rhythm Quartet. In addition, The Peeke Family—Ardeth, her husband, and her daughter Barbara—sang in the 60s and 70s in churches, at schools, in campgrounds, and at revivals. Linie Robinson joined the group and sang solos. Ardeth would write some wonderful songs. Her daughter Barbara would help her get it transcribed to sheet music.

And Ardeth loved harmony. She sang in a trio called The Generations with Joy Eller and Barbara Davis, well into her 90s. Joy did mention, “If you took her part, she would let you know it!” Ardeth also played the bass guitar, while her husband played the lead guitar and Linie Robinson the rhythm guitar. In fact, early on, they played Saturday nights at the Asheville City Auditorium, where they won prizes several times. This was the forerunner of the Bascom Lamar Lunsford festival.

One song stands out above the others: Mayday! It is well known, sung, and loved by many. She herself was having a difficult time, and four of her brothers were in World War II, with one being a pilot, when she wrote the words and music to this song, which has been recorded and sung by many.

Mayday!

“Mayday!  Mayday!”   “Flight broken, heart calling Mayday!”I’m lost on my course, I’m drifting, and I cannot find the landing strip. Mayday!  Mayday!, Flight: broken hearts calling “Mayday!” This is a pilot to the captain in the tower; will you please help me land my ship?

Verse 1

This is the pilot to the captain in the tower. I’m lost!  Can you read me? The sin clouds are dark and the controls are heavy. And I can’t find the right frequency. My fuel is spent, and I’m falling. Tears blind my eyes until I can’t see. This is the pilot to the captain in the tower. “Mayday!  Mayday for me.”

Verse 2

This is the captain to pilot from the tower. Yes, I read you loud and clear. Let your landing gear down, and I’ll guide you. You’ll have a safe landing here. Keep your transmitter tuned to the Holy Spirit. Hold your ship with a strong and steady hand. I am the captain in the tower. Your ship is now under my command.”

The birthday celebration was filled with friends and family. Many people sent cards, flowers, and gifts. The Soundmen Quartet came to the party, with Rita Lankford providing heartwarming singing. Ardeth clapped her hands as she remembered the tunes. Joy Eller said, “I only wish I could be part of the person that Ardeth has been.” I feel so blessed to be a part of this family. We have so many memories we will always treasure.” Her daughter, Barbara, said, “Throughout the years, Ardeth has helped with church youth choirs. The Coles Cove youth choir will always be dear to her heart. Ardeth’s life has been one of service to the Lord Jesus Christ and to her fellow man. She has been a blessing to many people throughout her 100 years. And to God be the glory!”