Josephine Kearns, a longtime North Webster resident, passed away quietly at 11:36 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2019, in Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester. She was 79 years old.

Born on Feb. 27, 1940, she was one of seven children and the daughter of James Layne and Judy (Freeman) Layne. She worked for many years as a machine operator for Dana (Weatherhead) in Syracuse.

On Feb. 22, 1975, she was united in marriage to David Kearns. The two were married for ten years before his unexpected passing on March 11, 1985.

Mrs. Kearns was dedicated to her family and the wellbeing of her children. Nothing meant more to her than time spent with them except perhaps time spent with her grandchildren. The family loved the time spent with her too, especially if she was going to cook – she was an amazing cook and enjoyed gardening for many years. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 253 and previously of the VFW Auxiliary. She loved to sing and dance and enjoyed watching sprint car racing.

Those who survive include four daughters: Brenda (Dave) Darland of Atlanta; Sherry (Tim Kelly) Elliott of Lavonia, Ga.; Dottie Love of Defiance, Ohio; and Jody (Scott) Shaske of Pierceton; three sons: Doug (Susie) Elliott of North Webster; Terry (Lonie Bloom) Elliott of North Webster; and David (Michelle) Kearns, Jr. of Fort Wayne; and two sisters: Ethel Miller of Defiance, Ohio; and Virginia Ann McGuire of Richmond, Ky. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, David Kearns, Sr., those who preceded her in passing include brothers: Jimmy Layne and Harold Layne; sisters, Nell Beagle and Juanita Greene and her parents.

A Life Celebration will be held at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw, at 11 a.m., Monday, July 22^nd at 11 a.m. Visitation will be in the Funeral Home on Sunday, July 21 from 12-2 and 4-6 p.m. Burial will take place in the Mock Addition of North Webster Cemetery following Monday’s service.

Memorial gifts may be directed to National Alzheimer’s Association – Northeast Indiana Chapter, 6324 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.