Barbara Ann Pierce

Barbara Ann Pierce was born on February 15, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, and she died on May 6, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. In between, she lived a full life.

Her parents were Hugh James Pierce and Elizabeth Catherine Hooper, with an older brother, Robert Pierce (Sharon), and an older sister, Betty Lou Maas (Bill). She grew up in Detroit and attended Finney High School. At Michigan State University, she met her companion of 56 years, Peter Ryan, as well as many other lifelong friends. Peter and Barbara were married on July 7, 1979, in St. Petersburg, Florida. They lived in the country outside of Perry, Michigan, and had three children, Travis, Todd, and Katherine.

Barbara worked as a rural mail carrier for many years and served on the curriculum council at Perry Schools. She was an avid fan of MSU Women’s Basketball and enjoyed supporting Spartan teams. After her retirement, she volunteered at the Wharton Center and Habitat for Humanity and was a lifelong advocate for peace, women’s rights, and the welfare of children.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and her older siblings.

She is survived by her loving and beloved husband, Peter Ryan, and children, Travis Pierce-Ryan (Amanda), Todd Ryan (Nora), and Katherine Pierce-Ryan, and grandchildren, Shea Ryan, Eleanor Ryan, and Rhys Ryan, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donations can be made in memory of Barbara to the Arthritis Foundation Michigan, arthritis.org/michigan.

A visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Williamston Funeral Home, located at 205 E. Middle St., Williamston, MI 48895, on May 16th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.