The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Stanley Roy Pierson, 86, died peacefully in his home with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer.

Stanley was born Sept. 14, 1928 in New Rockford N.D. to Anna Katherine and Roy Sanford Pierson. The family lived there for 13 years until they moved to White Salmon, Wash., and resided there through his high school years. After high school he attended Yakima Valley Jr. College for 2 years. The family moved to Waitsburg around 1946 to purchase what was later named Ardie’s Cleaners.

In 1948, while frequenting the drug store soda fountain, he met Rita Dixon. They were married May 14, 1950 (64 years). They lived in Waitsburg until 1976, working at Ardie’s Cleaners, The Chevron Station, Fuller Brush, and purchasing Ray’s Drive-In. They moved to Dayton in 1976 where they continued running Ray’s Drive-In for 23 years. For the last 14 years they retired to Golden West Estates in Walla Walla.

Stanley was an avid sports enthusiast, who enjoyed his children and grandchildren as they participated in various sports. He especially enjoyed the Seattle Mariners, and rarely missed a game on TV. He has a special fondness for referees and umpires. He coached The Green Giant Little League team for several years. Stan was a member of the Waitsburg First Christian Church, Waitsburg Lions Club, and Knights of Pythias.

Stanley is survived by his wife Rita, one daughter; Clarece and (Robert) Newbury, Sumner, Wash. Three sons: Richard & (Rebekah) Pierson, Kennewick, Wash., Gary & (Karen) Pierson, McFarland, Calif., and Steven & (Traci) Pierson, Cashmere, Wash. One sister, Carol Olson, Yakima, Wash. Eleven grandchildren: Jenifer, Jeremey, Jeffrey (Pierson), Aubrey, Chase, and Heath (Pierson), Rhonda, Anna, and Nicholas (Newbury), Jessica and Seth (Pierson), 19 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Stanley was preceded in death by one sister, Ardath Henze, and 1 grandson, Forrest Brandt Pierson.

Memorial service was held Jan 6 at Waitsburg First Christian Church, officiated by Jesse Wilkinson and Mike Ferrians.

The family requests that anyone choosing to make a donation in Stanley’s name to send them to the Waitsburg High School Memorial Scholarship Fund or the charity of your choice.