Kathleen "Kitty" Pierce

August 2, 1937 - September 21, 2018

Kathleen Therese Pierce "Kitty" 8/2/1937 - 9/21/2018 Kitty and God are likely staring stories with the angels about her fishing adventures, His children and their journey together. Kitty passed away quietly at home surrounded by family after a surprise diagnosis of liver cancer. Kitty was born August 2, 1937, in Los Angeles California, to Arthur and Frances Delany. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood with older brothers Jim and Pat. After graduating from Glendale High School in 1955, Kitty was hired as a young lifeguard, a leader in the daycare program and then transitioned to Recreation Department Director. In 1957, she left for the University of Hawaii where she received her degree in 1960. That fall at Gorman Elementary School, she taught grades 1-4 in a two-room schoolhouse and loved her grand experience. In December 1961, Kitty married Jerry Ralphs. They had three amazing, beautiful children: Mary, Gabrielle "Gabby", and Christopher. They purchased the Halibut Hoffbrau and enjoyed a family restaurant life while Kitty was teaching special education at Standard School. She also enrolled in night classes to complete her credential but never lost her sense of adventure. Later, during her survival years, she took the kids to Hart Park to crawdad fish, they had lavish picnics in her backyard, built a nice treehouse in the willow and enjoyed many laughter filled water fights. They also raised a menagerie of barnyard animals right there in their own backyard. Kitty was a powerhouse with a heart of gold but outworked everyone while making it fun. Kitty moved to North High where her engaging personality and interest in others changed the lives of those around her, making her an invaluable friend and exemplary co-worker. Ten years later, she was hand-picked to develop vocational programs for adults special education students at PROP. She would never forget Rebecca's question, "Have you ever seen a cloud without a silver lining?" That was so symbolic of the great impact Kitty made in her ten years as program leader. In 1966 Kitty Retired from teaching but stayed on 20 more years as a consultant to the Kern High School District. When she wasn't serving others, she loved fishing, riding her personalized lawn mower in Oregon, visiting the cabin in Cambria and going into the great outdoors with friends and family. In 1978 Kitty met Bill Pierce, a father of four great kids. Two years later they were married, making a fabulous family of nine. They had some interesting times together and Kitty loved them all to the end. After losing Bill in 2009, Kitty felt very alone despite all the kids and many good friends. The Elks Club has been a wonderful support group that helped her through those extra lonely spots. Kitty was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur, and Frances Delany, husband Bill Pierce, brothers Jim and Pat and daughter Gabby. Kitty is survived by her daughter Mary Ralphs and son Christopher Ralphs who tenderly served their mother around the clock. She has two grandchildren, Stephanie (Anthony) Avila (great-grandchildren Ashlyn Weaver and Tessa Avila), grandson Bradley Dorsett and great-grandson Gage Dorsett. She has four stepchildren including Nanette (Gary) Gadeke and granddaughter Melissa (Fernando) Mondragon (great grandchildren Max, Sadie, Ruby) and granddaughter Sarah (Tony) Damo (great grandchildren Max, Sadie, and Ruby). Then, Denise (Jeff) Whittington and grandson Jake (Amy) Whittington (great-grandsons Ryder and Levi) and granddaughter Mandy (Jake) Barnard. Then, Billy (Stephanie) Pierce and grandsons Nick, Ryan, and Jack. Lastly, Victor (Kathleen) Pierce and grandsons Blake and Trent. Kitty has two sisters-in-law, Frances Delany, and Joyce Delany. Kitty fondly remembered forty years of fun with neighbors Becky Boss and the late Bob and Jan Sweet. She also wished to report that her last two years were blessed with good fishing, fun gambling, safe travels and simple things made better by her dear friend Fred Harkey. Life has been a wonderfully satisfying journey, in which each moment is forever celebrated. Kitty and her family are especially grateful for the excellent care and kindness of the Hoffman Hospice caregivers. Services for Kitty will be held Friday, October 5, 2018, at St. Frances Church, 900 H Street at 11:00 am. Reception to follow at the Elks Lodge #266, 1616 30th St, Bakersfield.