Lois Kearns

Obituary for Lois Tiensvold Kearns

Our incredible wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 11, 2025, surrounded by family, after a long battle with stroke related illnesses.

Lois was born in Rushville, Nebraska on May 19, 1942 and attended grades 1-8 in a one-room country school house and grades 9 – 12 at Rushville High School. After graduation she attended a cosmetology school in Denver, Colorado. After graduation she returned to Rushville and married Jim Kearns, her high school sweetheart. She had two sons, Jim and Dave. In later years, she became interested in playing golf, and with her friends they spent many fun days on the golf course. In addition to golf, she became involved in making ceramic dolls and quilting. Her attention to detail in carving, painting, and sewing was amazing. Even with all her hobbies, her biggest joy was raising her boys and spending time with her three grandchildren.

After her boys moved from Salt Lake City, she decided to go to work for the airlines so she could visit them. She spent a number of years with Eastern and Continental Airlines as a Reservations Agent. Lois was also a long-time member of P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization whose purpose was to raise scholarship funds for advancing women. Lois served as Vice President for one term. She continued her philanthropic spirit as a member of the National Charity League.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Loretta Tiensvold, and sisters, Ginger Ragsdale and Shirley Mangan. She is survived by her husband, Jim; sons, Jim D. (Maggie) and Dave (Kaye); sister, Beverly (Dean) Kockrow and grandchildren Kahli, John (Katherine), and Michael plus numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff at St. Mark’s Rehabilitation Center, the Highland Care Center, and the Essential Care Provider group for the incredible care and kindness that they gave her while she was in their care. A Celebration of Life was held for her March 13, 2025 at Starks Funeral Parlor in Salt Lake City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for her on May 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rushville, NE. Lunch will follow at the Rushville American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, please send your donation to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.