Ethel Marjorie Pierce, age 85, passed away on Friday, November 16, 2012 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She served her community by visiting patients at local hospitals and nursing homes accompanied by her certified therapy dogs, Pooch and Mugs.
She was born to the late Raymond Oehler and Margaret Webber Oehler in Buffalo, NY. She is also preceded in death by her husband Robert E. Pierce.
She is survived by two daughters, Sharon Bethke and husband William of Corrales, NM and Melinda Bessell and husband Jeffrey of Abingdon, VA; two nieces, Toby Skorupski and husband Dave of Raleigh, NC and Nancy Zahler of Ithaca, NY; six grandchildren, Lisa Helper, Daniel Bethke, Michael Bethke, Maureen Chavez, and Timothy Bessell; six great grandchildren, Lucas Helper, Jacob Helper, Kaela Chavez, Owen Chavez, Alison Chavez, and Caleb Bessell.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook.
The family of Ethel Marjorie Pierce being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).