Katherine L. Stearns

Katherine L. Stearns, 92, of Springfield, died at 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Katherine was born November 21, 1915 in Centerville, IA, the daughter of Charles and Ethel Hoover Roach. For 54 years, from 1938 to 1973, Katherine was employed as an elementary school teacher. From 1973 to 1996 she was employed as a Homebound school teacher. She was a former member of the American Association of University Women and taught bridge in California for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Naomi Wagner. She is survived by three sons, Bradley (wife, Marjorie) Stearns of Springfield, Philip (wife, Pamela) Stearns of Santa Cruz, CA and Stephen (wife, Kathleen) Stearns of Roseville, CA; one daughter, Marilyn (husband, Calvin) Potts of Carson City, NV; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (husband, Brian) Lokaitis, John (wife, Dawn) Stearns, Jeffrey (wife, Katherine) Stearns, Laurie Donahue, Anna Stearns, Whitney (husband, Kenneth) Bacon, Jennie Stearns and Joseph (wife, April) Stearns; twelve great grandchildren, Erin and Kathleen Lokaitis, Ryan and Jessica Donahue, Zomina Peterson, Piper Bacon, Mikayla, Nia, Ian, Adam, Quinn and Canon Stearns; and one sister, Mary Charlotte Drager of Van Nuys, CA. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 687 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703. The family of Katherine L. Stearns is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.