Ruth Ann Stearns

Ruth Ann Stearns, a loving woman whose heart was as open as her home, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home at 11:03 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Born on September 23, 1941, to John and Helen Harper, Ruth lived a life defined by the simple but profound truth: to know Ruth was to love her.

On New Year’s Eve in 1965, Ruth married Frank Stearns. They shared 24 years of marriage and built a life together until his passing in 1990. Ruth was a pillar of strength through the heartache of losing two of her children, Joanna Carol (Johnny) and Terry Lee (Laura) Stearns, as well as her parents.

Her memory is carried on by those who survive her absence.

* Her Partner: Billy Stanton, her devoted life partner of 30 years.

* Her Son: Gary (Karen) Stearns

* Her Siblings: Martha Lou Smith, John Lee Stearns, and Donald Paul Stearns.

* Her Grandchildren: Perrin Stearns, Brianna Johnson, Shayla (Rex Fuller) Stearns, Savanah (Jason Holley) Stearns, and Terry Stearns. She was also affectionately known as Gam Gam by Christopher and Jonathan Knapp

* Her Great-Grandchild: Ava and Emma.

* Her Special Niece: Cindy (Smith) Blackman, with whom Ruth cherished their frequent "jaunts" for shopping and lunch.

A Career of Care

Ruth spent her life serving others with a smile. In the 1970s, she was the beloved "lunch lady" at Indianapolis School 91. Later, after moving to Logansport, she became a staple at Logansport Memorial Hospital, working first in the cafeteria and later in the housekeeping department. In every role, she brought a sense of warmth and dedication to those around her.

Ruth’s hands were rarely still. She was an avid gardener, cook, and baker, but she was perhaps best known for her prolific crocheting. She crafted hundreds of coasters and throw blankets; it was a common and heartwarming sight to see Ruth carrying baggies of handmade coasters, ready to give them away to anyone she thought might need one.

Her favorite things in life besides her loved ones included;

* The King: She was a lifelong fan of all things Elvis Presley.

* Little Joys: She had a soft spot for kittens, especially her cat Meow, puppies, and loved anything with strawberries or grapes on them.

* Community: She loved spending evenings with Billy and their dear friends at the Logansport VFW Post #3790.

Ruth’s generosity of spirit and her habit of giving—whether it was a handmade gift or a kind word—will be deeply missed by the Logansport community and all who were lucky enough to call her family or friend.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Gundrum Funeral Home, with Pastor Matthew Paul officiating. Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Burial will follow at Ever Rest Memorial Park.

Financial contributions can be made to the Logansport VFW post # 3790 in Ruth's name.