Jean Elizabeth Pierce, 90, of Atascadero, was born in November 1919 and entered into rest on July 1, 2010.

Jean was born in Ann Arbor, Mich. to Nelson and Mabel Cole, the middle child of seven.

The Cole family moved to Morro Bay in the early 1930s. Jean met and married Les Pierce and had three children, Geri Pierce of Atascadero, Loretta Carter of Prescott, Ariz. and Doug Pierce, who passed away at 5 months of age.

In 1944, Jean drove the Army vehicles for Camp San Luis. In 1946, Jean and her family moved to Creston and bought a turkey ranch. The Pierce Turkey Ranch became the largest ranch of that time. For almost 30 years, they raised and sold turkeys to the markets, and it was especially busy during the holiday season.

Jean was also employed by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department in the 1950s. Jean’s true passion was her family. She was known as “Nona” to her five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was enamored with joy and love for her family. She took great pride in saying, “You wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me.”

Jean enjoyed playing cards, bingo, crosswords, tending to her flowers, spending time with family and talking politics. Anyone who knew Jean knew she was a Republican through and through. She was up to speed on all current events and expressed her opinions.

Jean valued this country and tried to remind her family that she grew up during the Depression and could get by with very little. She often didn’t understand the need for so many material belongings because all she needed was her family.

She was the epitome of strength and a true fighter, often called “firecracker” by her great granddaughter. In the last year of her life, she was surprised with a family reunion that included almost all of her family, her one surviving sister, Marianne Caccia, and friends.

Once a week, she and her daughter Geri would care for her great-great grandson, Wesley, who said “Nona” in a way that made her smile and brought joy to her heart. She often said that all she wanted was to see a great- great grandchild born before her life was over.

A small-statured woman with a mighty personality and a huge heart, Nona Jean will be missed by her family and friends. All she would want is for her family to stay close and love one another, and if they weren’t already republican, that they convert. A memorial service for Jean will be held on Friday, July 9 at Rancho El Bordo Community Center at 1 p.m.