On June 1, 2019, the pearly gates to Heaven finally opened up to accept Pauline (Inman) Pierce. She would say many times, “I want to die." Paulette told Pauline that God wasn’t ready for her yet. Pauline Ernestine Bayer was born to Paul R. Bayer and Enola (Richardson) Bayer Oct. 7, 1920, in Oklahoma City, Okla. She lived in Toledo for 96 years. Pauline passed away at the Providence Centralia Hospital with congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by her family, who will miss her greatly. Pauline was active until her death and made her final decisions about where she was going to be and how she was going to die.
Pauline was continually doing for others and felt guilty if she did things for herself. She gave to others generously, took care of many sick people and gave her kindness to other people.
She was a member of the Cowlitz Prairie Grange for over 60 years, Pomona Grange, Presbyterian Church, Winlock Baptist Church, Historical Society and the Toledo Scholarship Fund. Pauline made cheese sandwiches for 50 for Toledo Cheese Day and made them until she passed. She was a room mother for her children, 4-H leader and a Future Homemakers of America mom. Pauline was one of the first helpers to start the Cowlitz Prairie Grange Threshing Bee and the dinners. She supervised the building of the new Cowlitz Prairie Grange Hall. Pauline started the Toledo Grandparents Dinner at the elementary school and she taught herself to do custom meat cutting to begin Inman’s Meat business, of which she cut for 35 years. She spent many hours cutting people’s meat and making sure they got their meat. Pauline worked for Allegre’s Egg Plant packing eggs, supervising the employees and butchered turkeys for Hamilton’s Turkeys.
Pauline married her high school mate, Zack Inman April 7, 1941, in Toledo. Shortly after marriage, they moved to Seattle so Zack could work for Boeing. After two years in Seattle, his parents needed him back to work the farm. They moved back to the Jersey dairy farm on Frost Road, which is still standing. They continued to upgrade the farm and milk more cows. In July of 1959, the barn caught on fire and burned all of their feed and housing for their cattle. This changed their lives forever, because they had to sell 90 percent of the herd and find a place for a family of five. In 1959, they purchased a place on Spencer Road and Pauline lived there for 57 years.
She went to work for 15 years at Allegre’s Egg Plant. Pauline still continued to work in her flowers, which she dearly loved, planted a huge garden and canned food for her family. In her spare time, Pauline loved to sew, knit and crochet until her eyesight prevented this.
In 1993, Zack got cancer and passed away. She had never lived alone and became very lonely. Pauline later married an old friend, Don Pierce. They traveled and enjoyed life together. In 2012, Don got sick and passed away. Pauline’s eyesight was failing and she had to discontinue her driving. Her daughter, Katie moved in to help take care of her. After three years, she decided to move in with Katie Sue. Katie Sue continued to take great care of Pauline at her home. She could have her beloved dogs and cats stay with her and travel every time the truck moved.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Don and L.G. Bayer; son, Robert (Bobby); and husbands, Zack Inman and Don Pierce.
She is survived by her son, Raymond "Ray" (Pat) Inman of Toledo; daughters, Catherine "Katie Sue" DeFord of Toledo and Paulette (John) Horton of Winlock; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
On Friday, June 21, 2019, the immediate family will lay her to rest between her two husbands. Pauline stated that she would be a rose between two thrones. After the ceremony, they will celebrate her life at her grandson’s home by cooking her favorite foods she would prepare. On Saturday, June 22, 2019, at 11 a.m., a celebration of life will be held in her honor at the Christian Fellowship in Winlock. Bring your memories and potluck if you like. You know the Inman’s, they will have plenty of food for everyone. Donations may be sent in her name to the Toledo Scholarship Fund.
