Obituary of B. Lorraine Bierrum

B. Lorraine Bierrum Lorraine Bierrum, 98, passed away March 6, 2011, in Olympia, Washington. She was born September 10, 1912, in Lapwai, Idaho, to Ebbin and Nora Whitlock. She is survived by her daughter Darlene Lorraine Rhodes. Lorraine was an intelligent young woman who loved to learn. She skipped two years of high school, graduating early, and moved on to Lewiston Normal School, where she studied to become a teacher. While there, she met and fell in love with Francis P. Bierrum. They were married July 9, 1931, in Asotin, Washington. They lived on a 200-acre farm in Otis Orchards from 1944 to 1956, moved to Ephrata in the late 1950s, and finally moved to Olympia, where Lorraine lived for 35 years. Lorraine was a substitute teacher of various classes at the high school level, and later worked for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). She retired from DSHS in December of 1978 to care for Francis, who suffered from cancer; he passed away May 5, 1979. Lorraine gave her heart to the Lord at age nine, and served God all her days. She taught Sunday School at the Church of God for more than 56 years. Her bible was well worn and very precious to her. Lorraine was a skilled seamstress and also was a successful gardener, raising gladiolus and other flowers to make arrangements for Sunday morning church services. Memorial services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2011, at Olympia-Lacey Church of God, 5005 Lacey Blvd SE, Lacey 98503. To leave memories of Lorraine or condolences for the family, please click on “View Guestbook” below.