Virginia Ruth Pierce, 88, of Oswego, died peacefully at St. Luke Health Services on August 22, 2014. She had been a resident there for the past 7 .5 years. She was the daughter of Alva and Eula (Boyd) Mittan of Chadron, Nebraska, where she was born and graduated from high school. She was predeceased by her husband of 60+ years, Jennings E. Pierce; and three sisters, Peggy Carnahan, Doris Haden and Nancy Smith; and a brother, Robert Eugene Mittan. She is survived by her children; Susan (Ted) Nalle of Oswego, Lawrence (Nancy) Pierce of Charlottesville, VA, Robert (Cindy) Pierce of Oswego, and Elissa (Mark) Cupelo of Johnson City; five grandchildren, Katherine and David Nalle, Jason and Lindsay Cupelo, and Adam Pierce; several step-grandchildren, nephews, nieces; and two brothers-in-law, Jack Carnahan and RD Smith of Nebraska. Virginia was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and active in the Women of the ELCA until recently. She participated in the Bunco Club for almost 50 years and valued those friendships greatly. She worked for over 30 years for HSBC formerly Marine Midland where she enjoyed working with the public and was always kind and cheerful. She enjoyed needlecrafts, reading, going to drum corp shows and camping. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Thursday at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Calling hours will be held noon to 1p.m., prior to the service at the church, 201 E. Sixth St. Oswego. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grace Lutheran Church. Nelson Funeral Home has care of arrangements. Date of Death: August 22, 2014