Stearns, Dorothy Anne McKee ( 1924-2018)

STEARNS, MCKEE, TATHAM, WIEBE, NELSON, LARSON, BAILEY

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:02

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, April 23, 2018

Dorothy A. Stearns, 94, of Webster City died Friday, April 20, 2018, at Southfield Wellness Community. Visitation will be held at First Congregational UCC Church (1000 Willson Avenue, Webster City) on Wednesday, April 25 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held at the church on Thursday, April 26 at 11:00 am, with Pastor Craig Blaufuss officiating. Boman Funeral Home (www.bomanfh.com) of Webster City, is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Anne McKee was born in Webster City, Iowa on April 3, 1924, to Howard Marcy and Ruth Tatham McKee. She attended Webster City Schools, graduating in 1942. She attended Iowa State University and graduated from Drake University with a teaching degree. On March 3, 1944, she married Ralph Lawrence Stearns. To this union a son, Howard, and daughter, Anne were born. Dorothy and Ralph lived on the family farm for thirty-six years, moving to town in 1982. They wintered in Texas for many years.

She was a lifelong member of First Congregational Church where she served in many capacities. She was a 4H leader of the Cass Red Peppers; a 74-year member of PEO Chapter EL; and a lifetime member of the Iowa Polio Survivors Group. She was most proud of being a Certified Braillist for the blind, having completed the study with the Library of Congress. She transcribed over twenty books. She was deeply touched by the letters she received from those who used them.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Howard (Barbara) Stearns of Webster City; daughter Anne Wiebe of Des Moines; grandchildren Marcy (Wade) Nelson of Gilbert; Travis (Tresa) Stearns of Marion; step-grandchildren Eric Larson of Webster City; Jessica (Scott) Bailey of Webster City and Ben Larson of Sioux Falls, SD; her beloved great-granddaughters Riley, Isabella and Brooklyn Nelson; Addison, Lucas and Logan Stearns; Grace and Gabbie Larson and Erin and Claire Bailey; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church of Webster City, PEO Chapter EL, or a memorial of your choice.