Ruth Pierce

Ruth Allen Pierce passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, at the Guardian Angel Cottage in Lewiston, Idaho.

A memorial service was held on Monday, Feb. 21, at the Church of the Nativity (Episcopal), in Lewiston.

Born on Oct. 11, 1918, in Boise, Idaho, to James Allen and Helen Purkhiser Dement, Idaho pioneers, Ruth grew up in various locations around the northwest, moving frequently because her father owned and operated newspapers. She graduated from Wallowa High School in 1936.

Ruth married A.W. (Al) Pierce, Sr., on June 30, 1940, in Boise, and had three children, A.W. Pierce, Jr. (Wally), Missy and Jerry. They lived and worked in many places, including Riggins, Gooding, Dixie (southern Idaho) and Cody, Wyo. They owned and operated many different restaurants, hotels, and taverns, finally settling in Mountain Home, Idaho in 1949. She also worked for different governmental agencies and owned Mode-o-Day Fashions in Mountain Home.

A long-time member of the Episcopal Church in Mountain Home and in Lewiston, Ruth was involved with the Healing Ministry of St. Luke, taught adult Bible study groups, was a member of all the church guilds, served as both senior and junior warden and on various diocesan committees. She was a delegate to the national convention and was active in Cursillo.

Enjoying sewing, quilting and crocheting, Ruth stayed active well into her 80s, taking an Alaskan cruise with her friend, Georgann Sweringen, at the age of 89.

Her husband of 39 years, Al, died in 1979. Also preceding her in death was her daughter, Missy, in 1968, her grandson, Shane, in 1988, and her sister, Betty Jayne Joplin, in 2009.

Ruth is survived by: her sister, Camille (Weybright) and husband Bill Rangle; two sons, Wally and his wife, Nancy, of Missoula, Mont., and Jerry and his wife, Toni, of Asotin, Wash.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Church of Nativity, Lewiston, Idaho, or St. James Episcopal Church, Mountain Home.