Miriam M. Pieper

Miriam Marie Pieper, 99, of Newton, the daughter of Ivan James and Goldie Mae (Fleenor) Buckley, was born Nov. 16, 1915, in rural Jasper County. She attended Warren Grove country school, graduating from the Monroe Senior High, Class of 1933. Miriam was united in marriage with Howard Hagan, and over her many years had been employed as a waitress and also employed by the Maytag Company, during World War II. Howard would precede Miriam in death. She later became a salesperson for the Electrolux Vacuum Company, working with them more than 20 years. In 1962, she married Winston Pieper. She had devoted her life to her family, was a lifelong resident of the Newton area, and attended the Newton First Baptist Church.

Death came to Miriam Sunday afternoon, Nov. 16, 2014, at the Newton Health Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Howard and Winston; a son, Jerry Dale Hagan; and a sister, Doris Cool.

A celebration of life graveside service and interment for Miriam will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe. Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Miriam’s name.

Those left to honor Miriam's memory include her brother, Gene Buckley of Monroe; grandchildren, Sheryl Cupples (Mike) of Newton, Todd Hagan of Lexington, Ky., and Paul Hagan of Palm Springs, Calif.; daughter-in-law Jonnie Hagan of Baxter; two nieces, Marilyn Wickenkamp and Arlene Web; and all her friends. Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.pencefh.com.