CORUNNA, INDIANA – Della Pierce, age 59, went to her eternal home on January 27, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Della was born on July 22, 1966, in LaGrange, IN to James Franklin and Mary Ellen (Johnson) Hart. She attended Lakeland High School in 1985. On September 29, 1984, Della married Gregg Pierce in Kendallville, IN. Before their marriage ended, they had 3 children together. Della found love again with her long-time companion, Bruce Compton. Together they shared unforgettable memories. Della met Tay at the age of 4. They shared an instant bond, and she became her loving mother, helping her late husband Bruce raise her for over 19 years.

Della didn’t know a stranger as everyone was her friend. She was kind, generous, and loving. She would help anyone anyway she could without a second thought. You didn’t have to feel that you were alone with Della. She made everyone feel special and loved. She was the best mom her children could ask for and their best friend. In her final act of kindness, she was an organ donor and has given others the gift of a longer life in the absence of hers. She was her children’s number one fan and always showed her support. She would always call and make sure they were okay. Best storyteller ever. The BEST MOM EVER. NUMBER ONE FOR SURE.

Della is survived by her loving children, Heather Pierce (Joesph Didion), Derek Pierce (Lula Machulski) both of Kendallville, IN and Amber Jacobs of Syracuse, IN; stepdaughter, Tayla Compton (Ezra Lechleidner) of Avilla, IN; grandchildren, Taylor Adkins, Easton Lechleidner and Wesson Lechleidner; mother, Mary Hart of LaGrange, IN; 6 siblings, Claudia (Bill) Ulery, Debbie (Michael) Stoup-Howe, Tamara Hart-Goodman, all of Kendallville, IN, Ty (Michele) Hart of Orland, IN, Jay Hart (Mary Rayner) of LaGrange, IN, and Sue Hart (Russell Dever) of Kendallville, IN; brother in-law, Fred Cochran-Scott of Newport, TN, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Edward Franklin Hart (2004); father, James Franklin Hart (2006); grandson, Creedence Lawrence Lechleidner (2022); brother, David Owen Cochran-Scott (2022), and her fiancé and companion of 19 years, Bruce Compton (2026).

A memorial service honoring Della’s life and legacy will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3-6 PM at New Life Apostolic Church, 609 Patty Ln Kendallville, IN 46755.

Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday between 1-3 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in honor of Della. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view Della’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.



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