Mattie Ruth Pierce

The third of seven children of Denver and Myrtle (Howell) Johnston. She married Ivyl Pierce on September 10, 1941.

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

She is preceded in death by her parents, Denver and Myrtle Johnston; husband, Ivyl

Pierce; son William Pierce and daughter-in-law Sue Pierce, four sisters Barbara Hendren, Milly Patrick, Willa Mae Darst, Nelsie Levings; two brothers Charles Johnston and J.M. Johnston.

When she was younger and living in Madison, MO Mattie Ruth "ear 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. 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.

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

For service details please visit: CaterFuneralHome.com