July 31, 1933-July 30, 2023
Claudia Joan Pierce passed away peacefully at home in St. George, Utah, on July 30, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was one day shy of her 90th birthday. Claudia was born to Daniel Frederick Grasse and Muriel Bernece Hays Grasse on July 31, 1933, in Berkeley, California. She married Frank Lawler Pierce on June 7, 1951.
Claudia was a long-awaited daughter and had one sister, Carol, whom she adored and protected; Carol was her best friend. Claudia grew up in Walnut Creek, California. She met Frank in grade school, and they graduated from Acalanes High School together. They were married and started their family of five children in Walnut Creek. In 1962, they joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were later sealed in the Oakland, California temple. They wanted to raise their children in a family-friendly environment, so they left California and moved their family to St. George, Utah, in 1970.
Claudia was a successful real estate broker and developer. She and Frank worked side by side in all of their business ventures. She was awarded the Salesperson of the Year by the Washington County Board of Realtors.
Claudia had many talents, such as playing the piano, knitting and crocheting. She loved playing games with family and friends; bridge was one of her favorites. She was a card shark and won the silver medal in bridge at the World Senior Games. Claudia enjoyed turning a new house into a warm and cozy home. She was an amazing cook. Her family’s favorites included her delicious apple pie and Mexican food. Claudia was always tech-savvy for her age. She had the latest iPhone, iWatch, iPad and Apple computer. She sent text messages to her family daily and always tried to keep up with their various activities. Traveling was one of her hobbies. She and Frank traveled the entire USA and other countries, but she was always happy to return home to Utah’s Dixie.
Claudia enjoyed being involved in her community and church. She spent countless hours indexing. She was recognized by the First Presidency of the Church for her love and commitment to family history and indexing. Service to her country was important to Claudia, and she dedicated much of her time to Ronald Reagan’s campaign for California’s governor.
After living in Bloomington, Utah, for over 30 years, Claudia relocated to SunRiver. She lived in SunRiver for 22 years; she made lifelong friends and cherished the memories she made while living there. She had recently moved to Legacy Village, where she quickly made new friends and reunited with some of her SunRiver friends.
Most importantly, Claudia loved her family! She had a close relationship with her daughters and was always proud of her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Claudia is survived by her four daughters, Laura Stumbo (Bill) Hurricane, Utah; Carolanne Simkins (Richard) St. George, Utah; Jennifer Larson (John) St. George, Utah; Nancy Gubler (Lonne) Santa Clara, Utah; 14 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Pierce; her only son, Frank “Buzz” Pierce, Jr.; her parents; and sister, Carol.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, SunRiver LDS chapel, 4461 Country Club Drive, St. George. Visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Interment will take place at the St. George City Cemetery, 650 East Tabernacle Street, immediately following.
The family would like to thank the CNAs, nurses, friends and staff at Legacy Village for their loving and compassionate care.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Claudia’s online guest book.