Theresa Ann Unruh

Theresa Ann Pierce Unruh (Terry), longtime resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Mount Pleasant, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2022, at the age of 89. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 7, 1932, and grew up there to become salutatorian of her high school class. Her life changed dramatically in 1952 when she met a man in the Air Force, William C. Pierce, who was from Stringtown, Oklahoma. The young girl from the big city married the man from small-town Oklahoma and moved there to join his large family. Soon after, they traveled to Germany for his military service. The couple later settled in Muskogee, where they raised three sons. During that time, Terry worked as a medical assistant at Muskogee General Hospital and at the medical practices of Dr. Ben Gaston and Dr. Robert Brownell. She also served as director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center and was a member of ESA International. She loved traveling, reading, writing, crocheting, music, animals and, most of all, spending time with friends and family. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Muskogee, where she taught Sunday School. Sunny and gregarious, she was a true lover of life, eager to learn new things and always enthusiastic about making new friends. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and worked summers at Yellowstone and Denali National Parks. In her later years, Terry lived in Mount Pleasant, Texas, with her husband, DeWitt Unruh. She was an active volunteer at the local hospital and also taught dancing and exercise classes. She was preceded in death by husband DeWitt Unruh and brother Joseph Chicarella. She is survived by her sons, Bill Pierce (wife Susan) of Edmond; David Pierce (wife Tammy) of Muskogee; and Brian Pierce of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren Chad Pierce (wife Lynsey), Cassie Pierce, Haley Pierce and Adam Pierce; great grandchildren Brooks, Georgia and Lillian Pierce; and brother Thomas Rogers (wife Vicki) of Long Island, New York. Her final arrangements are being handled by Cornerstone Funeral Home of Muskogee. The family is planning a private memorial service to celebrate and honor her life.

Theresa Ann Unruh

November 7, 1932 - September 26, 2022