Nancy L. Kearns, age 62, a lifelong resident of Marion, went home to be with the Lord Monday morning, June 4, 2012, at her residence surrounded by her loving family following a courageous 20 year battle with cancer.
On May 10, 1950, Nancy was born at Marion General Hospital, the youngest of four children of the late Robert T. and Clara L. (Thompson) Smith. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1968.
Shortly following graduation, Nancy met a persistent young man who immediately took a liking to her, David W. Kearns, at Jerry’s Night Club. Eventually she gave in and found he was meant to be her soulmate, and they were married soon thereafter on March 21, 1970, at the Calvary United Methodist Church. They have cherished their 42 years together and lovingly raised two children: Shana and Alan.
In addition to being a loving homemaker, Nancy also worked as an administrative assistant for upper management at GTE and Verizon for 29 years, until her retirement in 2006. She also was a member of the Communications Workers of America (CMA).
A very social lady, Nancy enjoyed being members of the American Legion, Eagles, Moose and AmVets. She also had attended the New Vision Community Church for many years.
To say Nancy was an avid shopper would definitely be an understatement, as she looked forward to going shopping most every day. She was always looking for a good deal though, making sure she and all of her family never paid full price for anything.
Going “all out for every holiday”, Nancy enjoyed decorating her yard to make it look as festive as possible for every holiday from Valentine’s Day to Christmas.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy loved every moment spent with her family, and most especially with her grandchildren. Always there for them, she never missed anything that her children and grandchildren ever participated in.
A woman of dignity and grace, Nancy has fought cancer for the past 20 years and each and every day she still had a smile and a joke for everyone…and her smile and laughter would always light up the room. The courage and strength she had shown every day of her life was truly inspiring.
She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, David Kearns; two children: Shana (Christopher) Lawson and Alan (Kassy Stapleton) Kearns; three grandchildren: Parker Lynn Slone, Talan David Kearns, and Kasan Michael Kearns, all of Marion; two brothers and one sister: Donald (Beverly) Smith of Beverly Hills, Florida, Theodore “Ted” Smith of Marion, and Carol “Sue” (Perry) Brammer of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Kearns family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will also be held there on Friday at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Daniel Kiger officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Marion Cemetery.
Rather than flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Family YMCA, c/o Strong Kids Campaign, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Nancy’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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