In Memoriam: Ruth Ann Pierick

Ruth Ann Pierick

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ruth Ann (Collins) Pierick announce her passing on Dec. 28, 2018. Ruth Ann was born on Oct. 7, 1936, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Dr. Chauncey M. Collins DVM and Ethel Mae (Brown) Collins.

Ruth Ann’s childhood was spent in Iowa. Her father opened the first small animal hospital in southeastern Iowa following his discharge from WWI in which he served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Calvary. In the late 1940s, the family moved their practice to Des Moines.

Ruth Ann attended East Des Moines High School where she represented her school as a princess of the Drake Relays and was chosen Queen of the Senior Prom. After graduating from high school in 1955, she attended Drake University’s College of Fine Arts in Des Moines where she continued to foster and develop her love of art and became passionate about philanthropy.

While at Drake University she was chosen as D-Club Sweetheart in 1955, Sigma Phi Epsilon Sweetheart in 1957 and was a princess on the Queen’s Court for the Drake Relays. She was also a proud member of Delta Gamma sorority.

After dating the love of her life for several years, Thomas Leo Pierick and Ruth Ann were married on Aug. 23, 1958. Ruth Ann worked for General Motors New Cars and Parts division in Des Moines in the financial department for several years and proudly proclaimed she supported Tom through the rest of his schooling.

After Tom’s graduation from Drake University College of Pharmacy in 1960, the two packed up their car and chased their dreams of starting a life in California. They landed in Pomona where Tom began his career with Hamilton Drugs but soon after bought a pharmacy of his own. Ruth Ann used her artistic skills in the cosmetic department for the beatification of their customers.

The couple quickly established roots in the area and Ruth Ann became active in the Pomona Valley Pharmaceutical Association, Assistance League of Pomona, National Panhellenic Conference, Trinity Lutheran Church and Pomona Junior Chamber Jaycettes, spending many hours working at the Jaycees Kidde Bar during the Los Angeles County Fair.

While in Pomona, Ruth Ann gave birth to her children, Craig and Lynn Ann. She was a devoted mother participating in the kid’s various activities. The family moved to Alta Loma in 1972 and moved to Upland after the children graduated High School. They purchased property in Canyon Lake in 1969 because they loved water skiing and in 1988 built a house on the water where they made Canyon Lake their home for the next 30 years.

She loved to entertain and share her home, including her famous annual boat parade party. Ruth Ann continued her philanthropy joining the Woman’s Club, Canyon Lake Lioness and Ladies of the Light House. Socially, she partied with the Go-Go Girls and Bunco Buddies.

Throughout their marriage, travel was a passion for Tom and Ruth Ann. They enjoyed many memorable trips throughout the U.S., Europe and Mexico. The couple recently celebrated 60 years of marriage by taking a road trip up the west coast and throughout Canada. They had several other trips planned.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. CM Collins and Ethel Mae Collins, of Pomona, California, and brother, Richard B. Collins of Fullerton, California. Her beloved brother, Scott A. Collins of Canyon Lake, California, passed on Jan. 4, 2019.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Leo Pierick of Canyon Lake, California, son Steven Craig Pierick (Shelley Pierick) of Berthoud, Colorado, daughter Lynn Ann (Pierick) Reaves (Clark Reaves) of Canyon Lake, California, grandchildren Chelsea Ann (Reaves) Kelley (Drake Kelley), Steven Craig Pierick II, Jacob James Pierick (Nicole Moriarty), Austin Thomas Reaves, Shaylee Ann Pierick, step-grandchildren Samantha Crawford (Russ Darland), Taylor Hansen (Jace Hansen), Cayley Cheyenne, great-grandchildren Brooke, Kaden, Nash, Scottie Ann, Kash, Jaxson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her legacy will live on in the many that called her Gigi, Grandma Ruth, mom and aunt.

A joint memorial service will be held on Jan. 24, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Canyon Lake Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital Pasadena, California; donate.lovetotherescue.org.