Mattie Ruth Pierce

Mattie Ruth (Johnston) Pierce, 99, of Olton, TX formerly of the Madison and Moberly area, passed away May 27, 2022.  She was born June 8, 1922, the third of seven children of Denver and Myrtle (Howell) Johnston

Mattie Ruth is survived by her daughter Sharon Sumners and her husband Jim, of Plainview, TX. a granddaughter, Michelle Sumners of Austin, TX. other relatives and friends.

When she was younger and living in Madison, MO, Mattie Ruth "car pooled" with several others to work at the shoe factory in Moberly, MO. She helped to make boots for the soldiers during World War II. She married Ivyl Pierce, September 10, 1941 , after she and Ivyl were married in Holliday, MO they moved to Ivyls' farm. In 1945 they moved to Ferndale, MI so Ivyl could go to work in the car industry. She was baptized in 1946 at the Christian Church in Holliday, MO.

She certainly had a "green thumb" as her vegetable garden and flowers were always bountiful and beautiful. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed many types of books, but especially mysteries. While in MI she worked at the Royal Oak Public Library for five years. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there as she was surrounded by many books. She was also a wonderful cook and could make delicious pies, as her mother did.

Mattie Ruth and Ivyl returned to Madison, MO in 1968. In 2001 they moved to Moberly, MO so they could "downsize". After 66 years of marriage, Ivyl passed in 2008 and Mattie Ruth moved to Plainview, TX to be closer to daughter Sharon and family. She later moved to Olton, TX to a Care Center facility

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son William Pierce and daughter-in-law Sue Pierce, four sisters Barbara Hendren, Milly Patrick, Willa Mae Darst, Nelsie Levings;  and two brothers Charles Johnston and J.M. Johnston.

The family suggests memorials to Runningwater Draw Care Center, 800 W 13th, Olton, TX 79064.

Funeral services honoring and celebrating Mattie’s life were held in the Cater Funeral Home Chapel.  Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held prior to the service,  Committal prayer and burial took place at the Sunset Hill Cemetery, Madison.