Grace Kearns

On July 25, 2023, Grace R. Kearns, 86, of South Beloit, IL departed this life for eternal life in Heaven.

Grace was a very special lady, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Grace left the world a better place. There will always be an emptiness in those who knew her, but it will be filled with memories of Grace's love, kindness, strength, positive attitude and her full of life outlook. She was often called The Energizer Bunny by her grandchildren. She loved working with her flowers and rescuing and caring for animals. She enjoyed watching Mollie B & Big Joe polka shows. Grace loved the family gatherings, filling them with fun and laughter.

On May 1, 1937, Samuel and Mabel Burkins along with Bernice and Edward welcomed the birth of their third child, Grace Ruth Burkins. She was later joined by five more brothers and sisters. The Burkins family enjoyed and shared their farm life on Willowbrook and Hononegah Roads.

Grace met and married the love of her life, Donald Kearns, on April 12, 1955. In October of 1955, Donald left for Japan, serving in the Air Force for 18 months. He received letters daily from Grace full of love, hope and encouragement.

Fifteen months later, in 1958, Diana Kearns (Earls) was born and in 1959, Debra Kearns was born.

Grace was employed by Eden Fruit in Poplar Grove, IL, Wagon Wheel in Rockton, Kearns Family Farm and Kearns Repair Service.

Grace is survived by her husband of 68 years, Donald Kearns; daughters, Diana Earls and Debra Kearns, all of South Beloit, IL; grandchildren, Sierra (David) Meyer of Janesville, WI and Chelsey Earls of South Beloit, IL; great-grandchildren, Gracie, Buddy, Harmony and Giddeon; sisters, Bernice Holmes of Rockford, IL, Florence (John) Fritsch of Caledonia, IL and Alice Rumsey of Colorado; brothers, Les (Sandy) Burkins of South Beloit, IL, Conley (Judy) Burkins of Indiana and many nieces and nephews.

Grace was predeceased by her parents, her in-laws, brothers Edward and Albert, son-in-law, Clint Earls and Bruce Werrbach (Deb's fiancé).

A funeral ceremony will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, July 31 in McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL with Pastor Jason Turner officiating. Burial will be in Rockton Township Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until time of ceremony Monday.