Arberta M. Pierce

Arberta Marie Harris Pierce, 89, went home to be with her Lord and husband of 60 years, Arza "Bumpy" Pierce, on Monday, October 19, 2009, at the Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY.

Born in Truxton, NY on February 3, 1920 to Frank J. and Lottie Smith Harris, she attended New Woodstock High School. Mrs. Pierce was active in the Town of Solon where she lived on the Pierce Homestead Farm for 60 years. She served as a republican committeeperson and tax collector for the school and town. For several years, she drove school bus for the McGraw School District. She was a member and past treasurer of the Solon Baptist Church and was also a member of the Solon Sportsman's Club, the Farm and Home Bureau and the Extension Service. After losing her husband, Arza, on November 11, 1998, she moved to 3 Main Street, McGraw.

She is survived by a sister, Ruth Monroe, of Cortland; and a brother, Herbert (Lois) Harris of Homer. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by three sisters and four brothers.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A graveside ceremony will be held at the McGraw Rural Cemetery on Saturday, October 31, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. with Fred M.S. Downs officiating. Following the graveside service, a celebration of her life will be held at the McGraw Community Center at 12:00 noon. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Pierce may be directed to the McGraw Fire and Rescue, McGraw, NY 13101.