Myrle L Pierce

She was born in Mapleton Idaho on October 14, 1917. Her parents were Rufus C. and Lettie P. Long. She had four Brothers (Wendell, Verl, Bryce & Reed) and four sisters (Thora, Leola, Vonda & Rayma). She grew up on a farm in the beautiful Cub River Canyon, during the depression. The family all had to work hard. And she taught her children to work hard. Her best friend was her sister Leola. They are now together again.

She graduation from Franklin High School in 1936 and work for several years. Mom was a member of The Church or Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She loved Christ's gospel and willingly served whenever she was Called. In 1940, her Bishop asked her if she would serve a Mission for the Church. Although she was a shy girl from a small place, she accepted this Call. She served in the Southern States from 1940 to 1942.

At June Conference in 1946, she met E. Claire Pierce. They sealed in marriage, at the Salt Lake Temple on June 25, 1947. They both loved the Temple and served there often.

Mom and Dad had five children (Brent, VerJean, Garth, Colleen and Jan). As children we always knew that we were wanted and loved.

Mom and Dad bought a home in the East Millcreek area of Salt Lake. This was Mom's home for the rest of her life.

They had fruit trees and planted a large garden every year. We always preserved and canned the harvest. Mom started making bread when she was a young girl. It was always a treat to come home from school and smell the hot bread cooking. We ate a whole loaf before it cooled. We always had fun birthday parties and Christmas'. Mom made heart shaped cookies for Valentine's day. She would frost the cookies and write our names on them. We would hear the door bell and when we opened the door there were the cookies sitting on the porch. We never caught her. Our family had so many wonderful traditions.

Mom taught herself to sew and made clothes for us. My sister and I always got doll clothes that she had made. In her later years Mom enjoyed making quilts. Many family and friends have a quilt made by Mom. She also loved to crochet. She made afghans until almost the end of her life.

Mother loved the Scriptures. She read and studied them all of her life. She had great knowledge and wisdom.

Mom and Dad lost two sons to death. Garth died in a car accident while serving a Mission in Wales, in 1974. Brent passed away after a courageous fight with cancer. Mom and Dad cared for him until his death in 1990.

Mom spent several years helping her son Jan care for his two sons. She woke them up every morning by singing "Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning". She loved them and all of her Grandchildren dearly. Her Step-Grandchildren became her own.

Mom continued to serve. She was Called to serve in the Relief Society Presidency when she was in her Eighties.

Myrle is survived by her Children VerJean and Lynn, Colleen Pierce, Jan and Sheila Pierce; her brother Verl P. Long, Sister Rayma Jepsen, brothers in law Forrest Odekirk and Lafe Jepsen; sister in law Carma Long. Ten Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; Husband; sons Brent and Garth; brothers Wendell, Bryce and Reed; sisters Thora, Leola, and Vonda.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday January 10, 2015 at the Valley View 12th Ward, 2125 Evergreen Avenue, Salt Lake City. Friends may call Friday evening 6-8 at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3104 South Highland Drive and at the church on Saturday 1:00-1:45 p.m. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.