Mary Elizabeth Piper, 83, of Ashland, MO, died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004, at Ashland Healthcare. She was born on April 2, 1920 in Gardener, KS, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Frame. She was married on June 6, 1942 in San Francisco, CA to Ray Austin Piper, Jr. who died in 1974. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Ray A. and Mary Piper, Ashland, MO; and James D. and Lisa Piper, Big Bear Lake, CA; two daughters, Joanne Piper, Davenport, IA; and Ruth E. Chastain, Anchorage, Alaska; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers. Graveside services will be in Western Cemetery, Orion, Illinois, with burial next to her husband. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com. Mrs. Piper was a 1938 graduate of Olathe, KS, High School. A homemaker, she was a member of the Lutheran faith; served as captain of the San Bernardino, CA, Police Reserve for twelve years; and was an officer of various courts for the Independent Order of Foresters.