Ruth Marler Pierson

Ruth Marler Pierson, Bonita, Calif., died Oct. 9, 2019, three weeks shy of her 99th birthday. She was born Oct. 31, 1920, in Colfax, and grew up here, the daughter of Fred E. and Clarissa Tronquet Marler. Her older siblings were Maria Marler Burrill, Fred Marler, Jr. and Paul Marler.

She graduated from St. John’s Academy and Colfax High School and completed her education at Washington State University and Eastern Washington University.

During World War II, she married her WSU sweetheart, Leo Pierson, who flew US Navy Douglas Dauntless dive bombers in the Pacific Theater of War. They lived in Spokane until he was recalled for active duty during the Korean War, which moved them to San Diego. Calif. They had two children, Cathy Leonard and Leo (Snapper) Pierson. She taught fifth and sixth grade in Imperial Beach, Calif., schools.

Ruth was involved in San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera. She and her husband were among the first parishioners of Corpus Christi Parish in Chula Vista, Calif. She was an accomplished teacher, cook, seamstress, home decorator and gardener.

Surviving her are her children Cathy (Kermit) Leonard, San Diego, Snapper (Joanne) Pierson, Coronado, Calif; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be at Corpus Christi Church, in Chula Vista, Dec. 21.