Patricia Ann Keeton Pierce passed away peacefully at the age of 95, on May 4, 2024, after a long illness.
Pat was born in Dallas, Texas, on December 28, 1928, to Antoinette & Harold Nesbitt Keeton. She had a fun Texas childhood with her brother, Bub, who was less than two years older than her. When Bub got married to Nelwyn, Pat was thrilled to have a sister at last and the two women became lifelong best friends. After graduating high school early, Pat and her parents moved to Phoenix where her dad opened a grocery store, Neb’s Market, at 44th Street and Thomas Rd. The Pierce family owned the land that the store was on, so it wasn't long before Pat met Bill Pierce. They started dating, fell in love, and were married at Chapel of the Palms on April 25, 1947. Pat was a devoted mother to her children, Greg, Kit and Pam.
Pat was quick to smile, had a great sense of humor, and made everybody feel loved. She was a classy lady and always dressed to the nines, was warm and welcoming to everyone, and was the ultimate hostess. We will always treasure the memory of drinking peppermint punch from her fancy silver and turquoise punch bowl on Christmas Day and the tradition of miniature felt stockings stuffed with cash next to her chili pepper Christmas lights.
Pat and Bill traveled all over the world. Some of her favorite vacation memories were trips they took with each of their 8 grandkids. Until her advancing age prevented it, Pat escaped the Arizona heat to their cherished condo in San Diego.
Pat was constantly serving others, especially her family, but she also kept herself busy with charity organizations such as the Foundation for Blind Children, the Arizona Heart Association, and the Assistance League of Phoenix. She also spent decades actively involved with Paradise Valley United Methodist Church. But perhaps her ultimate example of service was the loving way she took care of Bill the last fifteen years of his life after he suffered a debilitating stroke.
Pat was a beloved grandmother to Sandie, Shane, Sara, Kate, Ashley, Jamie, Stephanie & Zac, and had 19 great-grandchildren who will never forget the love she brought to their lives
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, her brother and sister-in-law, Bub & Nelwyn, and her granddaughter, Sandie. She is survived by her children, Greg (Judy) Pierce, Kit Pierce, and Pam (Kirk) Butler, along with 7 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. When looking back on her long life, Pat once said, "It was a good life...I couldn't ask for more.
A memorial service for Pat will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 11:00am at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, located at 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85257. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley.
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