From the Muncie Star-Press, 4 Jan 1938:

Gown of Mrs. Lillian Pierce ignited by heater

Redkey, Ind., Jan. 3 (Special) -- Mrs. Lillian Pierce, widow of Dr. J. S. Pierce, succumbed at 4 o'clock this morning at Jay County Hospital from burns sustained early yesterday morning at her home here. Her night gown was ignited by an electric heater in the bathroom and flames enveloped her body.

Taught school in Ohio.

A housekeeper, Mrs. Kelley, was attracted to the bathroom by her screams and she called neighbors and two physicians. Mrs. Pierce was badly burned about the body from the knees to her shoulders. She had been in poor health for two years.

Mrs. Pierce was a prominent member of the Christian Church and was active in civic affairs until recently. She formerly operated a millinery store here and at one time taught school in Mercer County, Ohio. She had extensive real estate holdings.

Surviving are four sisters, Mrs. Robert Kinkley of Mendon, O., Mrs. Ivan Hamilton and Mrs. Alice Mowry, both of Celina, O., and Mrs. John Ponder of Glendale, O. [sic]; one brother, Curtis, of Ingram, Wis., and several nieces, including Mrs. Wallace Taylor of Farmland.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, but the place has not been selected. The Rev. George Koch, pastor of the Redkey Christian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery. The body was removed to the Jones mortuary.

From the Muncie Star-Press, 6 Jan 1938:

Redkey, Ind., Jan. 5 -- The funeral services of Mrs. Lillian Pierce will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Jones mortuary, the Revs. George Koch and E. E. Reigle officiating. Burial will be at the Hill Crest Cemetery. The Eastern Star members of which Mrs. Pierce was a member will attend the funeral in a body. Mrs. John Ponder of Glendale, Cal., a sister of Mrs. Pierce, arrived here today.

Submitted by Kyla Cathey.