Edith Grace Young

Edith Grace Mahan Pierce Young passed away peacefully Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Hanford, CA. Edie was born in Stoneham, CO ninety seven years ago. Her family moved to Steamboat Springs, CO after she graduated from high school. Edie worked in a laundry until she married Ray Pierce in 1940 and they headed to California. Ray worked in the trucking business . They lived in Grass Valley and Madera before settling in Avenal. Edie and Ray had three children – Edith, Richard and Sharon. Edie was widowed in July, 1946. She was pregnant with Sharon. Edie stayed in Avenal with her children to be near her in-laws. Edie met Roy “Tex” Young, a tall Texan, at a dance. They were married April, 1950. They completed their family with a daughter, Sandra. Edie was a homemaker but also took in ironing to supplement the family income. She also helped her dear friend, Lucille, a young widow going back to work, with her children and house keeping . That turned into a life-long friendship of our families.

Tex and Edie lived in Avenal until they moved to Hanford in 2000. They were well known in Avenal and Coalinga through their many years of dancing at Polvadero Country Club, Irene’s and Fifth Lane, bowling and community activities. They enjoyed traveling and saw much of the United States and Canada. Many trips were taken with Tex’s brothers and their wives. These were special times for all.

Edie was a wonderful grandmother and thoroughly enjoyed having the kids come and spend time in Avenal. They have great memories of goodies (mudhens) always in the cookie jar and trips to the beach or just sitting on the front porch swing after dinner.

Edie was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Jessie Mahan, brother Ray Mahan and sister Eva Kline, her daughter Sharon Pierce (1998), and her husbands Ray Pierce (1946) and Roy “Tex” Young (2009).

She is survived by her children Edith MacFarlane (O.R. ‘Corky’) of Armona, Richard Pierce (Beverly) of Clovis and Sandra Frech (Darrell) of Sanger; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and godchildren.

Edie will be laid to rest Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 10:00am in Grangeville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Edie requested donations to Valley Christian Home, 511 E. Malone, Hanford, CA 93230 or Avenal Historical Museum Society 600 E. Fresno St, Avenal 93204.

Tributes and condolence may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.