Myra Jane Pierson — Sept. 21, 1946 - Feb. 21, 2026

    On Saturday Feb. 21, 2026, Myra Jane Pierson gained her wings to go be with her husband of 57 years, Gordon and her son Travis.
    Myra was born on Sept. 21, 1946, in Great Falls, Mont., to parents Elmer and Margaret Erickson. Myra had two brothers, James and Fred, and was the youngest of the Erickson children. She and her family moved around the state of Montana a few times but eventually landed roots in Deer Lodge when her father, Elmer, became the business manager at the old Montana State Prison. In her journeys as a child, she ice-skated, played the clarinet and became a very good piano player. Myra always had a great love for all music and made sure she fostered any love her family had for it too. She adored live music, especially Def Leopard, and took her children to many rock concerts in the 80s and 90s. In her teens she found a love for fast cars when she bought a 1969 Mustang Fastback.
    In Deer Lodge, she met her love, Gordon Pierson. Myra and Gordon got married in Missoula, Mont., on Jan. 4, 1969. Together they started a family in Racetrack, Mont., where she became mother and, more importantly, referee, to three boys: Gordon Jr., Travis and Brant. She was a constant stern voice when it came to breaking up their wrestling matches, continually trying to make sure her children weren’t breaking each other, her furniture or picking on her niece Nicole who was always in the mix of mischief.
    In 1988 Myra and Gordon gave up the country life and moved into Deer Lodge where she did odd jobs like stocking the Hallmark card sections at the local stores and helping with Cub Scouts. In January 1990, at the age of 43, Myra decided it was time to go back to school and become a nurse. She graduated the fall of 1991 from Montana Tech as a Licensed Practical Nurse and went to work at the Powell County Memorial Hospital on the night shift. She loved her craft of both patient care and ER nursing and met many friends of both coworkers and patients along the way. Her family still gets compliments on the street by people who thought she was an excellent and caring nurse. Her passion for nursing inspired her oldest son Gordy to also pursue a career in nursing.
    Through her life Myra enjoyed many things, but motherhood gave her the most joy. She loved to follow her sons in everything they did including choir concerts, football, wrestling, basketball and any other games or events she could attend. Later in life that transitioned into following her grandchildren at anything they were doing. Her heart was always full if she got to babysit her grandchildren for an “overnighter” or a game of monopoly. She was always bragging about her kids’ and grandkids’ accomplishments. Myra also enjoyed “Guard Parties” when her husband and his fellow National Guardsmen would get together and socialize with their families. She liked to get together with old friends during the yearly Tri-County Fair and demolition derby where she would make meals and snacks for everyone building cars at her house. She met many beloved friends through these events.
    Our mother was very witty yet serious. She was very stern yet soft. Myra had the patience of a saint yet demanded results when she needed to. Her attitude can be seen in everyone in her family and through that attitude, she will always carry on.
    Myra was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Margaret; brothers, Jim and Fred; her beloved husband, Gordon Sr; and her beloved middle son Travis.
    She is survived by her oldest son, Gordon Jr. (Sherrie); grandson, Andrew (Maddie); great grandson, Caizin; her youngest son, Brant (Heidi); two granddaughters, Skyla and Ilayna; her grandson, Branden (FaithAnn); her sister-in-law, Sena; her niece, Nicole (Taylor); great niece Juna; great nephew, Temple; nephew, Dennis (Courtney); and her two favorite cousins, Kay and Jim Walsh.
    Graveside services will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, 343 Conley Lake Rd, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 on, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Deer Lodge Elks, 230 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
    In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Myra’s name to the Powell County Senior Center to help meals on wheels or Deer Lodge PAWHS to help with the local animal shelter.
    Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to share a condolence for Myra’s family.