Lit a candle in memory of Anne Ruth Pierce

The following is the concluding paragraph to the sentiments Kathy read during the funeral...

Like you, we are finding strength in our faith. We are confident and full of anticipation that someday we will see you again. We will visit with you and Jesus in your mansion. And when we get there, we are all certain that we will find you in the mansion that is the cleanest one we will ever see.

The following sentiments are from Anne's children, Deb, Kathy and Rick. During the funeral, Kathy read this.

I saw you for the first time when you were a young, beautiful mother, full of joy. You kissed my little face through tears of happiness and you were full of anticipation for what we would share together. 
You were so full of tenderness and care for me. Little did I know you were forged like steel. 
 You had grown up just outside of New York City in Kearny, New Jersey. You told me life in the city could be tough – like the time you encountered a drunk when you were walking across a bridge on the way home from church.  You quoted to me what he said to you and that was the only time I ever heard you say one of those words that will not be repeated here. 
You were the eldest daughter of a father who had immigrated to the United States from Lithuania. Your mother, Elizabeth, was a strong woman who’s English/ Scottish family was very central to your life, even to the extent of having your physically disabled Uncle John live with you as you grew up in the flat above your father’s butcher store. You had a younger brother, Stan, and you wanted to help take care of him. Your father could be a tough one… too tough, sometimes. Though you never talked about growing up difficulties, you were forged. 
When you were a young woman, merely 17 years old, you abruptly lost your mother to cancer. You rarely spoke of the deep pain you carried since that difficult time. The silence regarding this matter ultimately spoke very loudly to your family. This unspeakable pain forged uncommon strength into you.  
You decided to follow Jesus as your Savior when you were a teen. You learned to lean on Him and his word and this made you incredibly strong. 
Your strength was not a secret. I saw plenty of it over the years. 
I saw how you used your strength to deal with many challenges in life. Some challenges, like the normal challenges of family life, you took in stride. Most of the challenges you faced as a Christian school teacher were handled in stride. Some incidents just had to be talked about and at the family dinner every night I would hear you start to recap your day. It always started with “So! …”. 
You took care of your elderly father. He lived to be 96 years old and kept his thick Lithuanian accent to the end. Many people marveled at your strength.  
As you got older, I saw the hands that cared for me start to age faster than the rest of your body. You had worn them out by serving your family so very faithfully. 
When you became ill, you understood the severity of your health challenge weeks before the physicians admitted they were stumped. But you faced your challenge with incredible strength. 
When you had to go to the hospital and into intensive care, you were so very strong and never complained. You endured all of the indignities of medical care without a bit of whining.  
When it became clear that you were facing death, you did not resist. In fact, it was at this time that the full magnitude of your strength showed most clearly. Your strength came from the Lord. You had been forged by life’s difficulties but you tempered those difficulties with a rock solid faith. You knew death would not sting you. You knew you would soon see Jesus face to face. You knew you would no longer have to wait to finally see your mother after waiting 64 long years. Oh, the joy that was awaiting you in heaven! 
As you passed into glory, I and my siblings and our father, kissed your forehead through our tears. Our tears are no doubt mournful. Yet, as we looked at your old worn hands, we knew that you were getting renewed hands that would be raised in praise. We knew that your renewed voice would no longer be affected by your affliction and you would be singing praise to Jesus. We knew that your feet would be walking on streets of gold. We knew that you were moving into a new mansion that Jesus had prepared for you. 
(Continued in next entry)

As a new member of the Grace Bible Church choir, I was warmly welcomed by Anne on my first day and thereafter was drawn to her sweet smile each week.  She became an instant blessing to me, and I have missed her presence since her return to Colorado. Now God is blessed to have her in His presence.  I'm so grateful to have known her even for a short time.   Diana Hayes

OBITUARY

Anne Ruth Pierce

January 1, 1934 – July 24, 2015

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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