Elenor Jane Pierson

Elenor was born on August 31, 1926, in La Grande, Oregon, to Ray H. and Mary (Ruckman) Hayes. She grew up in Northeastern Oregon, living in the Imbler area of the Grande Ronde Valley, and the Wolf Creek area near North Powder, where she graduated from North Powder High School in 1944. She graduated from Eastern Oregon College of Education (now Eastern Oregon University) in 1948. On July 24, 1948, Elenor married Dale W. Pierson. They moved to Salem, Oregon, shortly after their marriage and lived there the rest of their lives. Elenor was an elementary school teacher and spent more than 40 years teaching in several Salem area schools, eventually retiring from Grant Elementary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, in 2006. She is survived by her cousin, Mary Bennett of Lincoln City, Oregon, as well as several other cousins.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 20, between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm at Howell Edwards Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, August 22 at 1:00 pm at Summerville Cemetery in Summerville, Oregon.

Elenor had a dry wit and strong sense of humor which she retained until the end. She enjoyed music, reading and animals. She was loved and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions be made in her name to the giver's local Humane Society.