Jane M. Pierce, 68, of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Scranton, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 in Gilbert, AZ.

Mass of Christian Burial for Jane will be on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Scranton. Fr. Stephen Folorunso will celebrate the Mass with burial to follow in the Sacred Hearth Catholic Cemetery. There will be a Rosary and Vigil service on Wednesday evening at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Jane was born May 31, 1947, in Bowman and was the daughter of Maurice and Gladys (Erickson) Henderson. She graduated from Scranton High School in 1965. Growing up, Jane and her brothers and sisters helped on the family farm and she also worked in the local café as a teenager. Jane made many lifelong friends growing up in a small town and often reminisced about her years in Scranton.

On October 1, 1966, Jane married Leonard Pierce in Scranton. They lived in Scranton and later moved to Parker, AZ before returning home to North Dakota in 1972. Together, they had three sons, Michael, Mark and Matthew.

Through the years, she worked in banking and financial services before retiring from Edward Jones in 2013. She enjoyed her work and the people she met and always greeted everyone with a welcoming and memorable smile.

She was a very creative person and enjoyed painting, arranging flowers, singing and interior decorating. She always had a good 'eye' and could see the endless possibilities when working with elements, objects and colors. In her downtime, she enjoyed reading, watching mysteries, going on drives and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. She was also known to enjoy a good bath, doing her hair and deep thought before going to bed.

Jane will be remembered for her kindness and thoughtfulness and was always looking to help others. She was a kind, loving, supportive and thoughtful friend who always put other people before herself and will be deeply missed by many. She saw the good in everything and encouraged those around her by building confidence, showing support and providing hope.

Upon being diagnosed with cancer in 2013, she assumed a new role to be remembered as – a fighter. She fought diligently and always held hope close to her heart and never gave up. Even on the days she felt her worst, she was always there to bring out your best. She set a great example for us all.

Jane is survived by her husband, Leonard of Bismarck; her sons, Michael (Rebecca) Pierce of Gilbert, AZ, Mark (Shauna) Pierce of Beulah, Matthew (Melissa) Pierce of Bismarck; five granddaughters, Madison, Meghan, Sadie, Ella and Lainey; her sisters, Ann Johnson of Chicago, IL, Fae Pierce of Tucson, AZ; her brothers, Jerome (Carol) Henderson of Maple Grove, MN, William Henderson of Lisbon, Dale (Doreen) Henderson of Scranton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Jane in death were her parents, Maurice and Gladys Henderson; her brother, David Henderson; two sister-in-laws, Carol Henderson and Judy Henderson and one nephew, Todd Pierce.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Jane's name to Hope Manor, PO Box 1301, Bismarck, ND 58502.

Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Services in charge of the arrangements.