M. Jane Pierce

Margaret Jane Cramer Pierce passed away on April 1, 2010, at Bridgeview Estates following declining health, and a recent fall, sustaining injuries. She was born on July 17, 1914 in Lewiston, Idaho. Her parents divorced when she was three years old. Her mother, Clara Geneva Kincaid, later married Edgar Wortman. Jane was raised in this family with her sister, Maxine. She was aware her father had other daughters, but she did not know them. During her years at home, Jane lived with her Grandmother Kincaid in town during the school year. This made it easier for her to get to school, as her parents lived a good distance from town. Grandmother Kincaid was a significant influence during Jane’s formative years. She always spoke lovingly of her. She attended school in Cottonwood, Idaho, graduating from Cottonwood High School in 1932. During her youth, she enjoyed fun times playing and swimming in the river, and camping trips enjoyed by her family. She played the piano throughout her life, for her own enjoyment. During high school she excelled at basketball, typing and shorthand. She continued to use her shorthand skills throughout her life for various things, like helping her “keep secrets” at Christmas time, from her curious children. Following High School, Jane attended Lewiston Normal School for two years, studying to become a teacher. She transferred to the University of Idaho (U of I) in 1934, where she pursued higher education as English major. She joined Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and participated fully in college life. At the U of I, Jane met Ronald Woodrow Pierce, Sr. “Woody”. They were later married on March 21, 1937 in Moscow, ID. The couple then returned to southern Idaho where they engaged in a farming career. Their marriage was blessed with three children; Sally Anne, Ronald Woodrow, Jr., and Mary Jane (Janie). Together with her life-long mate, Jane’s life was centered on devotion to family, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to community service. Her husband served on the Filer School Board during a time of school consolidation and change. Jane was behind the scenes, supporting the work necessary to build a better school system. In the 1950’s when the Filer High School Home Economic Department was revised, it is a little known fact, the plans Jane drew for the an efficient and effective kitchen design, were in fact, the ones implemented into the remodeling project. Jane’s kitchen was her sanctuary. She spent countless hours in it, trying various new recipes, cooking and canning. Over the years, she won many awards in the Home Arts Division at the Twin Falls County Fair, for her canned dill pickles, and Burnt Sugar cakes. At Christmas, Jane was famous for her caramels and other candies that she generously shared with friends. The Pierces were very active in the 4-H Programs over many years. All of their children had projects, and the tradition was upheld with the grandchildren. Jane enjoyed reading. She developed an interest in writing poetry also. Most of her work humorously portrays family life and events. For thirty three years, Jane cared for her daughter, Sally, who was a quadriplegic from polio in the 1950’s. Sally was confined to a wheelchair, and required total care. There aren’t words to describe the sacrifices Jane made to this call of duty. Jane learned how to provide for all of the physical cares necessary, which was a challenge. She provided impeccable care for her invalid daughter, and taught the rest of the family how to help. She and Woody were determined to keep Sally at home, which they were able to do, until her passing in 1986. One of the greatest joys in Jane’s life has been the grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always had time for them, and made each of them feel special. Although Jane resisted farm life in the beginning, Woody commented as they reached retirement after 63 years, “I had a hard time getting her on the farm; the only thing harder, was getting her off!” Throughout her adult life she enjoyed playing bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs. She was a member of Filer Chapter #40, Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron in 1951. She was a member of Filer Methodist Church. Her involvement over many years went toward meal preparation for the Kiwanis Club. Jane is survived by her son, Ronald Woodrow (Janie) Pierce, Jr., Mary Jane (Janie) (Miles) Humphrey; her grandchildren, Jason (Jamie) Draney of Boise, ID; Juli Draney of Boise, ID; Tyson Pierce of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Kelli Pierce of Twin Falls, ID; her great grandchildren, Broc Thomas Woodrow Draney of Twin Falls, ID; Sophia Draney of Boise, ID; and Chloie Rarick of Twin Falls, ID. He was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, R. W. Pierce, Twin Falls, ID; her sister Maxine Geneva Helmers, Palmer, AK; her daughter, Sally Anne Pierce, Filer ,ID. A funeral will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at White Mortuary. Friends may call from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Monday, April 5, 2010 at White Mortuary. The family suggests memorials to be given to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center Foundation dedicated to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.