Claude A. Pearce

Feb. 24, 1927 ~ Feb. 7, 2011

Claude was born in Wilbur Wa on Feb 24, 1927. To Alexander "Sandy" and Violet Pearce. Claude was the third of four children. The family lived in Creston until 1942. Claude moved down for his sophomore year with his sister Mollie to live with their Aunt Pearl and Uncle Bob Kennedy as his parents had bought a farm at Stratford but were still finishing things up in Creston and had not moved yet. Claude graduated from Wilson Creek high school in 1945.

Claude met Delores Brashear while attending a dance at the Adrain grange hall in 1948 and they were married two years later on June 25, 1950. From that date forward they were never to be found very far apart. They worked, played & enjoyed life as one. Claude told the two eldest boys in Dec how much he still loved her, that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. She must have felt the same as she was at his side almost 61 years, right up to his last breath.

Claude was an active supporter in the Stratford, Wilson Creek communities. Always willing to help in any way he could. Her served on the Wilson Creek school board from 1962-1975, also on both the Wilson Creek Union Grain board starting in 1963. And as a commissioner for Grant county fire district 12 starting 1971 until the time of his death.

Claude was a hard worker who loved growing wheat and raising cows. Some of his favorite times were spent in harvest or combing the hills of Stevens County looking for cows with his buddy Bill Anderson.

He also loved his family and friends. If you knew Claude you either loved or liked him. When he made a friend they were friends for life, (as Heb Morley and Bill Lowry can attest to). Sometimes even going beyond life, (as with Bill Anderson) the passing away of Bill last July left a large void in Claude as they had been like brothers since high school and missed him a great deal. Claude's passing has saddened us all, but we can rejoice in the knowledge that Claude and Billy are setting in a boat fishing McGinnis lake again.

His parents Alexander and Violet, and his sister Mollie preceded Claude in death.

Claude is survived by his wife of 60 years Delores, Two sisters Maxine Warren (Jim) of Lewiston, Idaho and Roberta Quirk (Anthony) of Wilbur. Four children Sandy (Melaine) Pearce, Jerry Pearce (Lorry) of Stratford. Jim (Betty) Pearce, Claudia (Howie) Pfeifer of Wilson Creek. Twelve grandchildren, Twelve great grandchildren with two more to make an appearance shortly, Five brother-in-laws, Three sister-in-laws, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends. Claude will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial will be held at 11:00 am on Feb 19, 2011 at Wilson Creek Gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Claude's name to either Grant County Fire District 12 or The Wilson Creek High School FFA.

Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata Wa.