Graveside services for Beverly Werts, 84, of Russell will be Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Russell Cemetery. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the Russell Baptist Church or to the Russell First Responders.
Beverly Ann Pierce was born November 15, 1931 to John and Fern Pierce in Chariton, Iowa. Beverly and her brothers, Gene and Donald, grew up in Lucas County and attended country school. Beverly graduated from Russell High School in 1950.
On September 5, 1952, Beverly was united in marriage to James “Jim” Werts. While Jim served in the Air Force, Bev worked at the “dime store” in Chariton. The couple was blessed with three daughters: Wendy, Terry and Cindy. Bev worked various jobs in the area. She helped on the farm, worked as a clerk at the Chariton Sale Barn, and worked at Vera’s Drugstore in Russell. Bev bought the drugstore in 1981. She enjoyed being a store owner and spent her days there until she closed the store in 1994.
Bev enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, word finds, crossword puzzles, sewing, antiquing and collecting. She loved setting up antique consignment booths at various events in Ottumwa, Brooklyn and Des Moines. She was a great cook, famous for her fried chicken and potato salad. Above all, Bev enjoyed time spent with her family. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.
Beverly passed away April 10, 2016. Preceding her in death were her parents: John and Fern Pierce; husband, Jim Werts; brother, Gene (Linda) Pierce; and great grandson, Max Sander. Surviving are her daughters: Wendy (Dan) Blue, Terry (Rick) Elmore, and Cindy (Robert) Smith; 9 grandchildren: Jeremy, Jenny, Jamie, Kelly, Conrad, Kayla, Jason, Juston, and Jordon; 22 great grandchildren; brother, Donald (Carolyn) Pierce; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
