Obituaries : Carla Jean Kearns

Carla Jean Kearns, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, went to be with our Lord peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

She was born August 2, 1946, to Lois Tharp of Vinton and a family she would come to cherish so deeply. Carla’s life was defined by love, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She welcomed a daughter, Barb (Curtis) Roster, and later married Jim Schmuecker of Vinton. Carla would go on to have two more children, Roberta “Bobbie Jo” (Ken) Page and Robert (Lori) Schmuecker, and welcomed Ronzo (Glenna) Kearns, following her second marriage on June 30, 1989 to the love of her life, Richard Dean Kearns, whom she longed to join since March 27, 2009.

She was a cherished sister to Sandy (Jim) Dvorak, Deborah (Ted) Usher, and the lates: Vicki (John) Schuelka, Paula (Tommy), Denny (Pam), Billy (Susan), Ronny (Darlene), and Johnny Tharp. Carla’s family blessings extended to nine grandchildren: Johnnie Tharp, Julie Roster and Jennifer (Paul) Menard, Ralph (Kelly) Boddicker, Alex (Alicia) Schmuecker, Stormie Jo Lokenvitz, Owen Schmuecker, and Nicole and Janeal Kearns. And fifteen Grandchildren in the Greats: Brayden and Brody Tharp, Kane (Cassity) Kisling-Roster, and Kayden Roster, Remi and Beau Menard, Brooklyn, Brinley, and Bryson Kearns, Elliot and Olivia Boddicker, and Xavier, Eliza and McKenna Schmuecker, and Kenzie Roster. Along with many, many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Carla’s life was filled with shared memories and joyful moments. She enjoyed playing cards, especially heated pinochle with family and in-laws, and cherished taking her grandchildren to proudly cheer on family at the local dirt track. She loved cooking and found joy in the tasty memories of her own ventures; the Tip Top and South Fork, and Carlas Cafe. Bingo and a little casino Ching’in along with crab legs brought smiles and laughter. Carla’s doors were always open to friends, neighbors, and anyone needing a kind word or a warm meal. Her generosity, hospitality, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Carla leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and a family that proudly carries her spirit forward. She will be forever remembered in the hearts of those who shared in her life’s joys, her steadfast support, her straightforward and sometimes sassy attitude, and her unforgettable warmth.

At Carla’s request there will be no funeral, however a Celebration of Life in her honor will be held at a time and place to be announced.