In Memory Of
Verna Ruth Pierce
1927
2018
Verna Ruth Pierce
May 30, 1927 — November 23, 2018
Verna Ruth Frownfelter Pierce, 91, of Topeka, KS, passed away on November 23, 2018. She had spent the previous day, Thanksgiving, with 7 of her grandchildren and 6 of her great grandchildren.
She was born on May 30, 1927 in Delevan, KS, the daughter of Henry Vernon Frownfelter and Maude Lorene Darby Frownfelter. She was preceded in death by her two older siblings, Eleanor Jackson and Kenneth Frownfelter.
The family moved to Topeka when she was 6 years old. She attended Highland Park High School and Washburn University where she was a member of Alpha Phi Fraternity. It was here that she made life-long friends. These friends formed a bridge club that lasted decades.
About this time, she joined Topeka First United Methodist Church. She wanted to sing in their choir.
Admission required auditions, but she was not deterred and sang in the choir for over 40 years. In later years, she continued to enjoy the choirs gifts from the congregation.
After two years of college she went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. This is where she met Joseph L. Pierce. She tried to sell him tickets to the Alpha Phi Sweetheart Dance. He replied that he would buy two if she would go with him. They were married November 3rd of that same year. They created a warm and welcoming home for their family and friends. They enjoyed entertaining and traveled the world for many years. They were blessedly married for 63 years.
Verna shared her passion for bridge and playing cards beyond her club to friends and family, teaching her children and grandchildren to play. There was always time for a game at her house. She played continually throughout her adult life.
She was an accomplished cook and enjoyed sharing recipes and even had some published. She shared this passion with her children and they have carried it on to their families.
She gave back to the community with decades of support to the Mulvane Art Center through fundraising and volunteer work and she also drove for Meals On Wheels.
Verna is survived by daughter, Barbara Pierce (Duke) Frye and sons Michael (Sandra) Pierce and Christopher Pierce; as well as eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Friday, November 30, 2018 at Topeka First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd. A private inurnment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 17th & Fairlawn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ministry of Music at Topeka First United Methodist Church.
Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is handling arrangements. To leave a special message for Verna's family please visit the guestbook below.
She was born on May 30, 1927 in Delevan, KS, the daughter of Henry Vernon Frownfelter and Maude Lorene Darby Frownfelter. She was preceded in death by her two older siblings, Eleanor Jackson and Kenneth Frownfelter.
The family moved to Topeka when she was 6 years old. She attended Highland Park High School and Washburn University where she was a member of Alpha Phi Fraternity. It was here that she made life-long friends. These friends formed a bridge club that lasted decades.
About this time, she joined Topeka First United Methodist Church. She wanted to sing in their choir.
Admission required auditions, but she was not deterred and sang in the choir for over 40 years. In later years, she continued to enjoy the choirs gifts from the congregation.
After two years of college she went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. This is where she met Joseph L. Pierce. She tried to sell him tickets to the Alpha Phi Sweetheart Dance. He replied that he would buy two if she would go with him. They were married November 3rd of that same year. They created a warm and welcoming home for their family and friends. They enjoyed entertaining and traveled the world for many years. They were blessedly married for 63 years.
Verna shared her passion for bridge and playing cards beyond her club to friends and family, teaching her children and grandchildren to play. There was always time for a game at her house. She played continually throughout her adult life.
She was an accomplished cook and enjoyed sharing recipes and even had some published. She shared this passion with her children and they have carried it on to their families.
She gave back to the community with decades of support to the Mulvane Art Center through fundraising and volunteer work and she also drove for Meals On Wheels.
Verna is survived by daughter, Barbara Pierce (Duke) Frye and sons Michael (Sandra) Pierce and Christopher Pierce; as well as eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Friday, November 30, 2018 at Topeka First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd. A private inurnment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 17th & Fairlawn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ministry of Music at Topeka First United Methodist Church.
Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is handling arrangements. To leave a special message for Verna's family please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Verna Ruth Pierce, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Friday, November 30, 2018
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
First United Methodist Church
Guestbook
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