Carolyn Kay Stearns, 86, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Park Place Senior Living Center in Mount Pleasant.
Kay was born on July 1, 1940, in Mount Pleasant the daughter of George William and Bernice Marcelean (Ford) Calhoun. Kay was united in marriage to Roger Thacker and from this union two boys were born, Rick and Brian. After Roger’s death she married Clarence Stearns, they later divorced.
Kay was a cook at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant for 43 years before she retired. She enjoyed walking, puzzles, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Rick (Deb) Thacker, of Oakville and Brian Thacker, of Mount Pleasant, 4 grandchildren, Shailee, Kyler, Clayton and Brandon and several great grandchildren and her sister Dianna Miller.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, Mandy, her sister Janice Bush, her brother, Norman Calhoun and a daughter-in-law, Carol Massey-Thacker.
Private family graveside services will be held with burial in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. According to her wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Kay.