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Verna Ruth Frownfelter Pierce, 91, of Topeka, KS, passed away on November 23, 2018. She had spent the previous day, Thanksgiving, with 7 of her grandchildren and 6 of her great grandchildren.
She was born on May 30, 1927 in Delevan, KS, the daughter of Henry Vernon Frownfelter and Maude Lorene Darby Frownfelter. She was preceded in death by her two older siblings, Eleanor Jackson and Kenneth Frownfelter.
The family moved to Topeka when she was 6 years old. She attended Highland Park High School and Washburn University where she was a member of Alpha Phi Fraternity. It was here that she made life-long friends. These friends formed a bridge club that lasted decades.
About this time, she joined Topeka First United Methodist Church. She wanted to sing in their choir. Admission required auditions, but she was not deterred and sang in the choir for over 40 years. In later years, she continued to enjoy the choirs gifts from the congregation.
After two years of college she went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. This is where she met Joseph L. Pierce. She tried to sell him tickets to the Alpha Phi Sweetheart Dance. He replied that he would buy two if she would go with him. They were married November 3rd of that same year. They created a warm and welcoming home for their family and friends. They enjoyed entertaining and traveled the world for many years. They were blessedly married for 63 years.
Verna shared her passion for bridge and playing cards beyond her club to friends and family, teaching her children and grandchildren to play. There was always time for a game at her house. She played continually throughout her adult life.
She was an accomplished cook and enjoyed sharing recipes and even had some published. She shared this passion with her children and they have carried it on to their families.
She gave back to the community with decades of support to the Mulvane Art Center through fundraising and volunteer work and she also drove for Meals On Wheels.
Verna is survived by daughter, Barbara Pierce (Duke) Frye and sons Michael (Sandra) Pierce and Christopher Pierce; as well as eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Friday, November 30, 2018 at Topeka First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd. A private inurnment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 17th & Fairlawn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ministry of Music at Topeka First United Methodist Church.
Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is handling arrangements.
To leave a special message for the family online please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So sorry about not being in attendance! Just saw the obituary this morning. Not sure I could have attended anyway, since traveling has become more difficult for me lately. My heart is with you all in the loss of your mother. One is never completely prepared for the magnitude of a mother's death. Sincerely, Mary Jo
Mary Jo Fritz
Family
December 2, 2018
Barb I am so sorry. Just saw this obituary. You family is in our thoughts and prayers. It is so hard t lose you Mom. I just lost mine in June and it is still very hard.
Ann (Lindbloom) Meier
November 30, 2018
Dear Barb, Mike and Chris,
Your parents were such amazing people and wonderful role models in so many ways for me as a young adult. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with your family and will always fondly remember Verna Ruth and Joe. My thoughts and prayers to you.
Love,
Cathy Wasinger
Cathy Wasinger
November 30, 2018
I have a favorite memory of Mrs. Pierce. It was the night of our high school graduation and Mike had a big party outside at his house. It began pouring rain and Mrs. Pierce went inside and came back out with a roll of big, black garbage bags. We poked head and arm holes and wore the bags as raincoats! Mike and Barb, your Mom was a special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leslie Kelly
November 29, 2018
So sorry. Such a nice person.
Mark Works
November 29, 2018
Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
November 26, 2018
Dear Barb, Mike and Chris,
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your families.
Your Mother was truly a woman full of grace and beauty yet she always made everyone around her comfortable.
I can imagine the reunion she had with Joe when he welcomed her to Heaven. They were the perfect couple.
May God be with you.
Love you all,
John McArthur
John McArthur
November 26, 2018
Barb, Mike & Chris: So very sorry to have heard about the passing of your Mom. Such a wonderful and beautiful lady she was. Please accept my heartfelt of condolencences and sympathies for each of you and your families at this sad and difficult time.
John Finucane
November 25, 2018
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