Carol W. (Kiser) Pierce

Carol Wendy Kiser Pierce, aged 83 and a resident of Colorado Springs, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Carol was born an only child to Winifred Clinch and James Floyd Kiser on June 28, 1940 in Casper, Wyoming. As a young person, she and her parents loved attending the summertime rodeo and symphony in the park. She spent most of her childhood in Casper and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1958. During high school, she was part of a young woman's group that affectionately called themselves the "12 Tomatoes." Carol remained friends with the “12 Tomatoes” throughout her life.

After high school, Carol attended Casper College, and later transferred to the University of Wyoming, where she graduated with a business degree in 1962. During her time at the university, Carol became a member of Chi Omega, a women’s fraternity. She went on her first date with James Pierce, a high school acquaintance, at a Chi Omega dance. After a whirlwind romance, Carol and Jim were married a year later, in September 1961. Upon graduation, they moved to Colorado Springs, where they have lived ever since, the first of many adventures they would share together.

Carol was a devoted wife and mother who stayed home to raise her children from 1963 to 1973. Once the children were school-aged, Carol rejoined the workforce and held various positions until she was hired at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. There, she worked for over 20 years in the Registrar's Office until her retirement in 1998. Carol found immense happiness and satisfaction in her job at UCCS and being around young, enthusiastic people.

Carol's zest for life was evident in her love for adventure. In their early 40s, she and Jim began embarking on motorcycle trips, both with friends and on their own. They also explored the waters, boating together with friends at the peaceful Pueblo Reservoir and in a larger boat in the Peugeot Sound. Carol and Jim later traveled extensively in their RV over a period of 25 years. Some of their favorite trips included visiting the coast of California, Montana and the Yellowstone area, North Carolina, and Florida. Every few years, they also attended lively reunions with the 12 Tomatoes group in various locations across the country. Carol continued her passion for travel for many decades, and particularly enjoyed bringing their beloved dogs along for the ride.

Since 2014 Carol and Jim were snowbirds, enjoying a house in the Tucson, Arizona area. There they loved socializing with neighbors, joining groups, visiting new places, and hosting friends from Colorado Springs. Carol cherished the friendships she made throughout her life and always found the time to maintain and grow those relationships over many decades and many miles.

Among Carol's greatest sources of joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved them all deeply and expressed that love in various thoughtful ways, and in particular through many tins of homemade cookies and lovingly packed lunches for every hike and trip to the zoo. All who knew her will greatly miss her ready smile, gentle hug, and genuine interest in the activities and aspirations of those she loved.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Winifred and Floyd Kiser, her son Steven James Pierce, and son-in-law Albert (Skip) Robertson Jr. She is survived by her husband Jim, daughter-in-law

Rebecca Harris-Pierce (Steven), daughter Deborah Robertson, son Gregory, grandchildren Sydney Pierce (Eric Belser), Maxfield Pierce, Wendy Smith (Mason), and great-grandchildren Penelope Belser and Tate Smith.

Carol’s memorial service will be held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs on May 8, 2024 at 10:00 am.