JUDITH PIERCE Obituary

JUDITH PIERCE Judith "Judy" Anderson Pierce, a beloved mother, devoted wife, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully the morning of July 26, 2025 in Lindon, Utah. She was born on May 19, 1940, in Richfield, Utah, to Clifton Peter Anderson and Clara Zoe Poole. The third of four children, she grew up in a small home in Venice, Utah, directly across the street from her maternal grandparents. After graduating from Richfield High School, Judy pursued higher education at Brigham Young University. It was there, while working in the record department of the BYU bookstore, that she met the love of her life, Ronald A. Pierce. Ron's persistence won her heart, and they were married on June 3, 1960, in the Manti Temple. Their early married life as "starving students" at BYU was marked by humble beginnings. Living in campus housing without a car, Judy often rode on the handlebars of Ron's bicycle, even while expecting their first child! The couple welcomed their first three children (Cristy, Ronnie & Mischelle) in Provo while Ron completed his degree. Upon his graduation, the family moved to Beaver, then Cedar City, before returning to Judy's childhood home in Venice, where their fourth child (Michael) was born. In 1969, the young family of six embarked on a new chapter, moving to Moab, Utah. They settled into a home where they would reside for an incredible 55 years, and it was in Moab that they welcomed their remaining three children (Russell, Brian & Debbie), completing their family. As a full-time mother to seven children, Judy's days were filled with tireless dedication. She was constantly busy cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, and chauffeuring her growing family. To supplement their income, she provided daycare in her home, managed accounting for a small trucking business, and later took a part-time position as a clerk at Grand County Credit Union. Her diligence and capabilities led to her promotion to President of the credit union, a role she held until her retirement. Despite her naturally shy demeanor, Judy was a woman of unwavering faith and dedicated service. She served as a state delegate for several state Republican conventions and for several years as the Treasurer for the Moab Museum. She faithfully served in numerous church callings throughout her life, including primary teacher, Cub Scout leader, Relief Society President, as well as ward and stake Primary President. Her quiet strength and commitment left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Judy found joy in handwork and quilting, creating many beautiful quilts and afghans that won blue ribbons at the Grand County Fair. During summer evenings or early mornings she could often be found in the yard pulling weeds from the lawn or garden, loving the way things looked when finished and finding it very relaxing. She was always willing to work on a jigsaw puzzle and was especially fond of the card game 5 Crowns! One week during the summer was especially treasured by Judy, as many of her grandchildren would come to Moab for "Grandma's Week." Those weeks were filled with activities, crafts, and camping trips. Despite the house being small, grandchildren happily slept on beds, sofas, and even the trampolines. Although she was exhausted by the end of each grandma's week, these gatherings brought some of her greatest joys in life. Judy was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Patricia "Pat" (Ralph) Blake, Richard "Dick" Anderson, and Eileen (Harry) Heil, as well as two grandchildren, Jessika Lynn Pierce and Jalen Earvin Miller. She is survived by her seven children: Cristy Buttars (Don) of Preston, Idaho; Ron Pierce (Lisa) of Venice; Mischelle Pierce of Provo; Michael (Kristin) Pierce of American Fork; Russell Pierce (Rachelle) and Brian Pierce (Rhondelle) both of Moab; and Debbie (Kal) Chelhani of Studio City, California. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, and many loved nieces and nephews. Her beloved husband, Ron Pierce, followed her in death a little over twelve hours later, a final testament to their lifelong bond. We invite friends and family to a reception to share memories and offer condolences on Friday, August 1st, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Spanish Valley Mortuary, 386 North 100 West, Moab, Utah. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, at 11:00 AM at 701 East Locust Lane, Moab, Utah, with live streaming on Spanish Valley Mortuary facebook page. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. You may send condolences to the family at Spanish Valley Mortuary.com or SVMC.US