Over the years, Joyce Thierer brought history to life as part of her work with Ride Into History, playing characters like Calamity Jane, Grower of the Earth Lodge People and cattle drover Georgiana Jackson.
The longtime Emporia State professor and Admire resident passed away Monday at age 73, succumbing to a lengthy illness.
Born in Wamego, Thierer graduated from Alma High School before receiving undergraduate and doctoral degrees in histroy from Kansas State and two masters degrees, one in library science and the other in history, from Emporia State University.
Thierer’s work with the historical performance touring group Ride Into History with spouse Ann Birney, another longtime ESU professor, brought living history to classrooms and conferences across Kansas and to places as far away as New York and Saipan.
A celebration of life will take place at 10:30 am June 24 at the Admire Community Center. A breakfast from 7-9:30 am that morning will raise funds for Admire PRIDE.
