Florence Kay Pierce

Florence Kay Pierce, born Florence Kay Mendiola, on June 20, 1938, in Boise, Idaho, passed away on November 6, 2024, in Buhl, Idaho. Florence lived a rich and fulfilling life, marked by deep family bonds, professional achievements, and dedicated community service.

Florence was born to Louis and Jean Mendiola and was proud of her Basque heritage. Growing up on Wilcomb Road in Boise, she enjoyed an idyllic childhood, filled with neighborhood games of “kick the can” and “dare base,” roller skating “by the hour” and the joy of walking to school and ice skating.

A popular student at Boise High, Florence shone as a cheerleader and active club member. Her love for the little mountain town of Stanley, where her father built a summer cabin, began in these years. Florence pursued her education at the University of Idaho, where she pledged Gamma Phi Beta sorority, majored in Education, and made many lifelong friends. It was at U of I that she met the charming Air Force cadet, David Pierce. The couple married in 1960 after Florence graduated.

Following David’s graduation, the couple embraced the Air Force life, moving across various duty stations. They started their family, welcoming their oldest son David Jr. in 1961, followed by Ken 1963, and Jim in 1965. When David deployed to Vietnam for seventeen months, just days after Jim’s birth, Florence’s resilience shone as she cared for their three young sons alone.

After David’s discharge from the Air Force and transition to United Airlines, the family continued to move, finally settling in Buhl in 1972. Once her sons were older, Florence returned to teaching, earning acclaim as one of “those” teachers who really touched the lives of her students. She taught remedial reading and math for twelve years and later fifth grade, retiring after twenty years in education. Her relationships with fellow teachers remained significant throughout her life.

Florence’s talents extended beyond the home and classroom. In the mid-1970s, she co-founded Granny’s Barn, a Christmas boutique that became a regional sensation. She remained active in her community, supporting the Boys and Girls Club, singing in the West End Cantata, serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and running local political campaigns. As a Cub Scout Den Mother for each of her three boys, she became a cherished figure to many.

Florence is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, David; their three sons, David Jr. (Cristina) of Durham, North Carolina, Ken Pierce of Hailey, and Jim Pierce (Nora) of Coeur d’Alene. She also leaves behind seven wonderful grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings, Louis Mendiola Jr., Don Mendiola, and Mary Ann Morgan.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, November 15, 2024, at the First Christian Church, 1005 Poplar Street, Buhl.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Florence’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of Magic Valley, 999 Frontier Road, Twin Falls, or online at https://bgcmv.com/get-involved/donate/. 

In Florence’s own words: “The philosophy of life can be very complicated and difficult or it can be the simple one I have, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Florence's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.