Ruth Ann (Hignight) Kearns, 79, of Beardstown passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
    She was born Nov. 26, 1941, in Chicago, the daughter of James Mose and Doris Ruth Sehmann Hignight. She married Gary Lee Kearns on April 30, 1960 in Literberry and he preceded her in death on June 4, 2010.
    She is survived by her children, Eric Lee (Mary) Kearns of Blossom, TX, Sheri Lyn Seward of Beardstown, Beth Ann David of Terre Haute, IN, Wendy Sue (Chris) Trone of Montgomery, TX, Buffy Mae (late husband, Rich) Harris of Virginia, Gary R. (Laura) Kearns and Jody Lyn (Gabe) Bell, all of Beardstown; 19 grandchildren, Jeremy, Ryan and Lacey David, Carrie Ann Kearns, Stephanie Reithmeier, Clayton Seward, Cheyenne, Caigen, Chase and Christian Trone, Kasey Jo Harris, McKaylee, Kyndall, Khloe and Kalin Kearns, Owen, Peyton and Parker McCoy and Parker Bell; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rosemary (Jerry) Mallicoat of Creve Coeur and Joy Ellen (Paul) Williams of Marquette Heights; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Diana (Kearns) Hipkins of Jacksonville; and her beloved dogs, Bobbie, Hersey and Daisy. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Bruce John Hignight.
    Mrs. Kearns was a 1959 graduate of Beardstown High School and was employed for several years at IGA in Beardstown. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville. In her earlier years she volunteered her time as a Girl Scout Leader. Ruth enjoyed flower gardening and loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.
    A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville with burial at Arenzville North Cemetery. Family will meet friends one hour prior to services at the church. Due to the current health situation, face masks will be required, and to comply with social distancing guidelines, a limited number of people will be allowed in the church at one time.
    Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and School or Schuyler County Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sagerfuneralhome.com. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.