Robert James Stearns

Bob Stearns, 91, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025. A service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Burns Elks Lodge at 1pm.

Bob was born on a family ranch in Fruitvale, Idaho on October 11, 1933, to Winfield Stearns and Frances (Abshire) Stearns. At the age of 4, Bob lost his mom, leaving an older brother and sister to assist with looking out for him. He worked on various family ranches between Cottonwood and Grangeville, Idaho. Bob attended Saint Martin's High School in Olympia Washington for a year, and graduated from Ferdinand High School in Idaho. He enlisted in the US Army (1953-1955) during the Korean War, being stationed in Butzbach, Germany. During this time, Bob enjoyed skiing the Alps in Austria.

On September 2, 1956, Bob married the love of his life, Jennie Welker, after meeting her on a blind date. They were happily married for 68 years. In 1961 Bob and Jennie moved to Hines, where he began working for Edward Hines Lumber Company. He also worked at the Hines School for a couple of years, then returned to Edward Hines and worked as a Millwright for many years. At the end of his working years, he drove truck for a Gold Mine in Nevada. Bob served on the Hines volunteer fire department for 20 years, was a member of the American Legion, and was a life member (54 years) of the Burns Elks Lodge.

Bob was known for his warm personality and gift of conversation. He liked adventure and visiting with people. Bob and his family spent much of their free time camping, motorcycling, fishing, hunting, crabbing and making multiple trips to Canada with his family.

After retiring, Bob and Jennie were able to experience many years of traveling across the country making many wonderful memories. While visiting Yuma, AZ, he learned how to wood carve figurines. His interests extended to various wood working projects and learning stained glass. Bob was a great story teller about his younger years and his many adventures.

Bob is survived by his children, Teresa Uriarte, John Stearns (wife JoLyn), Alison Kincheloe (husband Charlie), brother Ken Stearns (wife Debbie), sister Karen Hughes (husband Don), 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie, brother Jack Stearns & sister Janet (Stearns) Mosely.

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