Betty Pierce

Elizabeth Caroline Vandermeer (Betty Pierce), 82, of Abilene passed away Monday, October 23, 2017.
Betty was born on November 10, 1934 in Nampa, Idaho to John and Ruby Vandermeer. She attended Nampa High School and graduated in 1952. She married Duane M. Pierce on June 21, 1953 in Parma, Idaho and spent 59 wonderful years until Duane's passing in 2012. She attended Nampa Business College and worked for the State of Idaho and Veterans Administration in Boise, Idaho. Later she moved to Pocatello, Idaho for 10 years and continued working for the State of Idaho. Pocatello is where she and Duane started their family. They moved to Rapid City, South Dakota for 3 years before moving to Abilene, Texas in 1969.
Everyone who knew Betty could see how much she loved her family and continued to love and support each one until her death. She was the ultimate wife, mother and grandmother, she never missed a birthday, family sporting event, performance, recital, school event, graduation, wedding, birth of a grandchild, or anything that she was called upon to do. She was the ultimate defender and supporter for all her children. Holiday gatherings were her happiest moments.
She loved playing bridge and played every week, every month from the time she moved to Abilene until her death. Her bridge family was her strength and support through so many happy moments and times of crisis. She had a very blessed life and got to travel and experience many magical places such as the Canadian Rockies and Alaska. Betty was a member of First Central Presbyterian Church. She was a faithful fan of the Texas Rangers and seldom missed watching a game. She never missed her weekly hair and nail appointments and would reschedule activities so she always looked her best. She loved shopping and was known to have the complete matching outfit.
As a young girl, she loved playing the piano. That love followed her into her adult life where she continued to play hymns and classical favorites. She beamed with joy to hear her grandchildren play the piano and relished sitting at the piano with them to help when needed.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Duane M. Pierce; brother, Dr. BL Vandermeer, of Sacramento, CA; brother, Thomas Vandermeer, of Napa, ID; father, John Vandermeer and mother Ruby Rea both of Nampa, ID.
She is survived by 5 children, Robert (Bob) Pierce of Tampa, FL, Joe Pierce and wife, Jeanne of Abilene, Scott Pierce and wife, Gayle of Plano, TX, Anne Pierce of Abilene, and Tom Pierce and wife, Kim of Emory, TX; ten grandchildren; three step grandkids ; 2 great grandkids; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special tributes to Graciela Kirkham, Patsy Hood, and Mike Richards who helped in so many ways and for so many years they became family. Also heartfelt thanks to the medical team at Methodist Richardson Hospital who showed what true compassion and care really is.
Donations can be made to Presbyterian Medical Care Mission and Hospice of the Big Country.
Visitation will be 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday, October 27, 2017 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Interment will be 10:00 AM in Elmwood Memorial Park's garden of Hope, 5750 Hwy 277 South, A funeral service will follow at the First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St beginning at 11:00 A.M.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, October 27, 2017
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

First Central Presbyterian Church
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, October 28, 2017
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606