Kay Stearns

Kay Stearns, age 87, of Neligh, passed away on February 7, 2022, in Norfolk. Memorial Service was held Monday, February 14, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Neligh with Father James O’Kane and Bishop Dendinger, officiating. Inurnment was at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.snidermemorialfh.com.

Kay Elizabeth Stearns was born in Wood River on September 22, 1934, to R. Harold and Mildred (Bridger) O’Kane. She graduated from Wood River High School with the Class of 1952.

On August 8, 1953, Kay was united in marriage to Robert L. Stearns at Wood River. Her main job was raising her seven children. The family moved to Neligh in 1969. She worked at Antelope Mutual Insurance as a secretary for many years.

Kay enjoyed playing piano. She volunteered as accompanist for the Neligh Nursing Center and The Willows and played for the Neligh-Oakdale High School choir for several years. She was involved in the Golden Grannies, Fine Arts, and St. Francis Rosary Sodality.

Kay is survived by her brother, Father James D. O’Kane, of Omaha; her children, Mike (Marlene) Stearns, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Sharon (Terry) Anson, of Milton, Florida, Rosie Stearns, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Dan (Cindy) Stearns, of Eagle River , Arkansas, David (Shirley) Stearns, of Norfolk, Mark (Lin) Stearns, of Lawrence, Kansas, and Matt (Mandy) Stearns, of Valdosta, Georgia; 22 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson Steve Anson and his daughter Krista.