Longtime Chariton Retailer Anne Kerns Dies at 93

Kerns was the face of Piper's, a local fixture in the community for decades.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:13am

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A soft, atmospheric photograph in warm, muted tones depicting the interior of a cozy, old-fashioned retail store, with blurred shelves and displays in the background, conceptually representing the legacy of a beloved local business owner.The vibrant legacy of Chariton's longtime community retailer Anne Kerns lives on through the memories of her beloved store Piper's.Chariton Today

Anne Kerns, a 93-year-old resident of Chariton, Iowa, passed away. Kerns was the long-time owner and face of Piper's, a local retail store in Chariton that had been a fixture in the community for decades. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 2nd at the Chariton Christian Church Disciples of Christ, with interment at the Chariton Cemetery to follow.

Why it matters

Kerns' passing marks the end of an era for Chariton's small business community. Piper's was a beloved local institution that had served the town for generations, and Kerns was integral to the store's identity and success over the years.

The details

Anne Kerns was the long-time owner of Piper's, a retail store in Chariton that had been in business for decades. Kerns was the face of the store and played a key role in establishing it as a community hub and local institution.

  • Funeral services for Anne Kerns will be held on Thursday, April 2nd at 10:30 a.m.
  • Visitation for Kerns will be on Wednesday, April 1st from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The players

Anne Kerns

A 93-year-old resident of Chariton, Iowa who was the long-time owner and face of Piper's, a local retail store that had been a fixture in the community for decades.

Piper's

A local retail store in Chariton, Iowa that had been in business for generations and was a beloved community institution.

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The takeaway

The passing of Anne Kerns marks the end of an era for Chariton's small business community, as Piper's was a beloved local institution that had served the town for generations under Kerns' leadership.