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Merle Kearns Obituary
COLUMBUS — Merle Grace Kearns, 76, of Columbus, formerly of Springfield, died Aug. 9, 2014, in Wesley Glen Retirement Community.
She was born May 19, 1938, in Belfont, Pennsylvania, to Robert and Katherine (Fitzgerald) Grace.
Merle earned her B.A. Degree in Home Economics from The Ohio State University and was a life long Buckeye. She was a loving wife and mother and had a distinguished 27-year career in public service. She served as a Clark County Commissioner, State Representative, State Senator and Director of the Agency on Aging; was named "Legislator of the Year" by 10 organizations; was named the Dayton Daily News Top 10 Women in the Miami Valley; in 2010 inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame; she was most proud of leading the legislative effort to enact Ohio law recognizing the profession of Advance Practice Nurses (APN's), and for this she received an Honorary Degree from Wright State University.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas R. Kearns; four sons, Thomas (Kelly), Michael (Karen), Timothy (Dee), and Matthew; eight grandchildren; three sisters, Aura (Jack) Dean, Maryanne (Tom) Wilson, Debi Grace (Tom) Lee; three brothers, Edward Santana (Ruth) Grace, Robert Grace, and William Grace; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends in the Conroy Funeral Home, 1660 E. High St., Springfield, from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Private services will be held Friday at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Central Ohio Chapter, 1379 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merle Kearns
Jim Casson
September 11, 2014
Matt & family deepest sympathies.
Lorrie Sparrow
August 26, 2014
My parents and I were so sorry to hear of Merle's passing. To the entire Kearns family, you have our deepest condolences. She was a lovely woman, a great neighbor and a true leader.
Lorrie Sparrow (writing on behalf of Eunice and Larry Sparrow as well)
Bert Druckenbroad
August 19, 2014
A wonderful person. Clark county will be lost without her. She was a lady, yes a lady in all sense of the word. Honest and giving.
August 16, 2014
I remember many times Mrs. Kearns coming into the Armstrong Feed and Grain to see my boss Bob and they would have great discussions... I know she was a wonderful woman and represented Clark County with a passion I have never known ... Mrs. Kearns also knew my mom Lillian when mom worked for the Clark County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Terri Mazur
August 15, 2014
Merle will be missed by those of us who were honored to know her and witness her passionate & selfless commitment to her constituents and colleagues. God Bless you, Merle.
Terri Mazur & Staff
Jody Gatten
August 15, 2014
Merle's impressive skills as a public servant were increasingly evident to those of us who worked with her as members of the League of Women Voters of Springfield, OH, in the 1960's and 1970's. She diligently studied the issues, was fair-minded, strong in her views, yet always open to listening to other points of view. She was a true politician in the best sense of the word.
Nakisha Fouch
August 14, 2014
I had the honor of working for Merle for almost 3 years at the Ohio Senate. She served as a mentor to me...I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for her. She will be greatly missed. My most heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.
August 14, 2014
Merle was always the same. Honest, forthright and stood up for many worthwhile causes. She was a strong leader and contributor to our community. Emel & Meg Atkins
SUE ALGEO
August 13, 2014
MERLE WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND. I WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH, AND I'LL NEVER FORGET HOW KIND AND CONSIDERATE SHE WAS TO EVERYONE.. ALL MY SYMPATHY TO TOM AND FAMILY..SHE WAS A GREAT LADY.
Gerri Collier
August 13, 2014
Best thoughts and prayers to the family.
August 13, 2014
Merle was a smart and confident woman that paved the way for many. My heartfelt condolences our with the entire family.
Beth Linkenhoker Chaney
August 12, 2014
I will always remember the great neighbor she was. She cared for so many. My condolences to Tom and the boys.
Jerri Mechenbier
August 12, 2014
May our God of all comfort and peace be with your family during this time of sadness.
Bridget Fenton
August 12, 2014
In my 30 years working for Clark County, Mrs. Kearns was my favorite commissioner. She was always pleasant, friendly and genuinely interested in the people who worked for her. She always asked how things were going and if there were any problems or issues that needed addressed. She always made the employees feel important. My sincere condolences to her entire family. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Kearns.
August 12, 2014
Nursing lost a dear friend today. Thanks to her efforts we have advanced practiced registered nurses making a difference in people's lives through out Ohio. Recognized as our Legislator of the Year in 1996 and 2000 - we believe she made a difference.
With Sympathy,
Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
Columbus, Ohio
Tracy (Fugate) Furderer
August 12, 2014
Matt: So sorry for your loss. I remember your mother well from our elementary days. Thoughts and Prayers for your entire family.
Samuel Beloff
August 12, 2014
I will always remember the kindness and warmth Mrs Kearns always displayed every time we had opportunity to talk. Her work was important and she was wonderful. She will be missed.
Karen Seger
August 12, 2014
Tim and Dee, Elaine Laughlin and I stopped at your mothers and picked up OSU tickets and we enjoyed the game that day. I got to see her again when she visited Catholic Social Services Passport when she headed up Area Aging. You have my deepest sympathy. Karen Bergman Seger (Bird)
Juanita Brittian
August 12, 2014
After her retirement, Merle became a Long-Term Care Ombudsman for folks living in one of nursing homes in her community. ABLE's Ombudsman Program was honored that she made the decision to join our team after retirement when so many other organizations were actively pursuing her. Her heart and passion for others was inspiring to all who had the good fortune of knowing her.
Mark Abshear
August 12, 2014
A treasure of a woman and real leader in our community and state. My thoughts an prayers go out to her wonderful family.
Larry Ricketts
August 12, 2014
In my sixteen years of working for Clark County government, Mrs. Kearns was hands down the hardest working commissioner I served under. She studied the issues and looked at all sides. Her leadership and dedication were a true inspiration. RIP Mrs. Kearns.
Lynda Gledhill
August 12, 2014
Had the honor of meeting Merle Grace when I was Exec. Secty. with the Ohio Federation of Republican Women. She will be truly missed.
Sherry Williams
August 11, 2014
Merle was a wonderful friend to the efforts of Ohio's Aging Eye Public Private Partnership and her legacy of passion and commitment will live on through its work and all those she has touched.
Dawn Falleur
August 11, 2014
Merle was a pillar of light to many in the environmental movement. Her honesty,sincerity and willingness will long be remembered. I loved her dearly.
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