Nona Pierce

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Nona (Nonie) Lee (Hatcher) Pierce (83 years young) went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2020. She was surrounded by her closest family as she drew her last breath; she left the world from the comfort of her home, just as she wished. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy Ned Pierce Sr., her son (Michael Alexander), her Grandson (Bradley Ott), and her two brothers, Carl Thomas Hatcher and William Abtil Hatcher.

Nona leaves behind her sister, Linda Marcin, her 2 daughters, Debra Siers and Fay Greathouse (Stoney Cutright), her son Rick Siers, and her daughter in law to Michael Alexander, Cherie Maag. She also leaves behind a step-son, Rudy Ned Pierce Jr. (Beth Pierce). Proudly she spoke of her many grandchildren, Kristi Ott, Alicia Hofmann (David Hofmann), Cortney Crew, Carl Crew, Christopher Alexander, Corey Alexander, Emily Siers, Rudy Ned Pierce III, Bailey Pierce, and Caleb Pierce. She was known as great grandma to Michael, Ashton, Isabella (Christopher), William (Cortney) , Luke and John (Alicia). Being called Mom and Grandma was not limited to her biological family; Nonie was fondly known as Mom and Grandma to many. The family reflects, “the number of people who call her this [mom, grandma] are beyond what we could even try to name but she knew them all and she loved them deeply. They took care of her like she was their own and she poured love into them like they were here own.” Her family is proud of the legacy she leaves as someone who would never want anyone to feel unwelcome, to always show compassion, and offer forgiveness.

Nonie was the third child of four born to Viola Mary (Knight) and Thomas Wencle Hatcher in Youngstown, Ohio at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Later she was raised in Wilbeth Arlington Projects in Akron, Ohio. Nonie was the proud mother to her four children and met the love of her life and married November 30, 1979. They were married 37 yrs. until Rudy went to be with the Lord February 28, 2017. Nonie continued to live on the land and in the home her late husband built for her until she passed. Nonie enjoyed many things with her adventurous spirit; she did not allow her small stature or limited means to limit the large impact she made on the lives of those she spent her time with. From fishing to crocheting, cooking to baking, playing her hand-held bingo game or enjoying a game of rummy; she was always busy with something, except when her soaps were on. She enjoyed taking spontaneous road trips to see her grandchildren and extended family. She will be remembered for always keeping busy and her headstrong, stubborn approach to life. She was notoriously known for her love of Bingo, the lottery (especially scratch off tickets) and bowling. Nonie was nicknamed “Bingo Nut” and enjoyed playing at least weekly with her girlfriends. Nonie was also a dedicated and committed bowler, even at the age of 83. Her love for bowling was overshadowed for her true skill at the sport. Once offered the opportunity to travel and potentially become a pro-bowler, she declined so she could raise her children, sharing, “I couldn’t trust what could happen to them, so it was an easy choice, and I don’t regret it. Many people don’t know that I had that opportunity that I made that choice and [financially] life could have been different but really, I had no choice, and I am happy with how my life has turned out.”

Nonie was not one to let hard times bring her down, always going back to telling anyone who would listen, “it’s in The Lord’s hands.” She lived simply and passed the joy that is found in this way of life her family. She overcame much in her many years and she taught many lessons to those who shared time with her. Humility was a trait she wore well. She was quick to react sometimes but would apologize quickly. She forgave easily and had a very tender heart; as a result, many felt welcome in her presence.  She had a great sense of humor and was witty, quick to crack a joke even up to the end of her time on earth. Her grandson asked her, “How you feeling Gramcracker?” She replied, “With my hands.” Nonie will be remembered and missed as the greatest encourager and biggest fan to her children and grandchildren; always bragging on them to celebrate what even may have seemed like a small success and she was the first person many of these people who cherished her called to share a triumph, request comfort over a hardship, or even for the special ingredients to that one secret recipe she had.  Her absence is greatly missed and will not ever be filled. Her family reflects on the deep grief felt as “something we’d wish on no one but also, something we’d wish for everyone because to feel this level of loss you got to love so deep and great.” Her body is no longer failing her, and she will never again experience pain, physically or emotionally; the former way of things has been washed away. She is with the ones she loved who left this world before her. Those who are left behind, they mourn her absence, but they realize the desire to have her here where her earthly body was worn and exhausted is not fair when she can be where she is at and made new.

To honor the wishes of Nonie, she was cremated and will not have a funeral. She will have a celebration of life upon the return of her grandson from deployment.

Please feel free to reach out to the family via email, telephone, or Facebook to remain updated on the details of the celebration of life to reflect on the beautiful life of Nona.