Helenjane Gray Pierce

She spent her youth in Illinois and eastern Nebraska where she met and married US Army Air Corp Captain Robert Redding in 1939.

They had a child Michael on December 25, 1940. Capt. Redding was then tragically killed in a B-24 plane crash in late 1942.

She then married US Army Air Corp Captain Russell K. Pierce Jr. on November 17, 1943. Daughter Anne was born on August 5, 1944. Son Stephen was born on December 11, 1946.

She lived all over the world as an Air Force wife, including Tripoli Libya, Tokyo, Japan and various stations in the U.S. during her husband's long military career.

She was actively involved with the Officer's Wives Clubs and numerous charitable organizations. Her husband retired as a major general in 1972 and they moved to San Antonio, Texas where she lived for 39 years. He died on June 28, 2000.

She lived a long and privileged life surrounded by family and numerous friends. She was happiest when entertaining her family and friends and her hobbies included painting, playing the piano, golf, and shopping.

She passed away in her sleep on August 18, 2011 in Rancho Mirage, California at 91½ years old.

She is survived by her three children Michael and his wife Barbara, Anne, Stephen and his wife Linda, six grandchildren Scott and his wife Suzanne, Courtney, Mark and his wife Michele, Jill and her husband Gibson Smith, Jennifer and her husband Clifford Smith, Josh, and six great grandchildren Jacqueline, Evan, Jade, Ella, Emerson, and Raquel.

SERVICE

FRIDAY

AUGUST 26, 2011

12:30 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

1101 McCullough

Rev. Joe Walts officiating.

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that you make donations to VNAIC Hospice, 42-600 Cook Street, 210, Palm Desert, CA 92211.