Caryl Mae Stearnes

CARYL MAE STEARNES 1920 – 2023 Caryl Mae (Coleman) Stearnes age 102 of Plattsmouth, NE passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at The Nebraska Masonic Home in Plattsmouth. She was born on June 11, 1920 to Louis Cassius Coleman and Effie (Sewell) Coleman in Tekamah, NE. Caryl was raised and schooled in Tekamah and she graduated from Tekamah High School with the Class of 1937. After graduating from high school, Caryl attended Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, NE, and she worked at Golds Department Store and at a radio station as a bookkeeper. Caryl met the love of her life, Lester William Stearnes and they married three weeks later on January 3, 1942 in Lincoln. While Lester was deployed in North Africa and Italy, Caryl and their son, James, lived with her father in Tekamah. After Lester proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, Caryl and Lester made their home and raised their five boys in Lincoln. Caryl was a hardworking and loving stay at home mom. In 1958, the Stearnes family moved to Omaha, NE, where Caryl worked at a department store, Orchard and Willhelm. After retiring, Caryl volunteered at the Humane Society where she taught dog obedience training. Caryl was an avid quilter and loved to cross-stitch, cross-stitching 42 Christmas stockings for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Caryl was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and a member of their Bell Choir. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Herman Chapter #216, in Herman, NE. Caryl is survived by her two sons: Lyle Stearnes and his wife Joan of Omaha, NE; Lloyd Stearnes and his wife Lori of Papillion, NE; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Louis and Effie Coleman, three brothers and sisters-in-law: Lesley and Bertha Coleman, Louis Coleman and his wives Maelle and Arpie, Edgar and Janet Coleman, and three sons and daughters-in-law: James Stearnes, Bruce Stearnes, and Leslie Robert and wife, Renee Stearnes. An Order of the Eastern Star Service followed by Visitations will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby St., Omaha, NE 68104. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby St., Omaha, NE 68104 with Rev. Marta Wheeler officiating. The Pallbearers will be Chris Stearnes, Anthony Stearnes, David Stearnes, TJ Stearnes, and Will Stearnes. Her Final Resting Place will be at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Lincoln. The family suggests Memorials to St. Paul United Methodist Church Bell Choir. Services are entrusted to Roby Funeral Home, 346 Avenue A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048 (402) 296-3123 robyfuneralhome@charter.net www.robyfuneralhome.com

Caryl Mae Stearnes

June 11, 1920 - May 4, 2023