Anita Kearns, age 82, passed away peacefully Jan. 15, 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Helena. To all of us, she was the lady with the sparkle in her eye.
Anita was born in Bozeman, Montana August 01, 1938 to John W. and Mary (Winistorfer) Haniuk. She and her six brothers and sisters were raised in Helena. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956 in Helena.
She worked for the Western Insurance Agency and the Montana Historical Society after high school graduation. She was a receptionist for Dr. Wm Wise until her marriage to James William Kearns (Bill) on January 27, 1968.
Anita had a quiet presence, but with her wry sense of humor and her creative talents, the sparkle in her eye came through.
She lived her life in Townsend where she and Bill raised Mary Lynn and James Thomas (Jamie). She surrounded them with love and creativity. Her talents played out in Creative Homemakers Craft Club, Hospital Auxiliary fundraisers, quilting and as a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She shown in the Rotary Variety Show, which she and Bill enjoyed so much.
Anita’s creative talents reached their heights when she began decorating the State Bank of Townsend, a rather staid and austere institution, like most banks in Montana. When Anita finished the annual Christmas decorations at the bank, it became well known as the most beautiful small-town bank in Montana. When the bank was remodeled, her exquisite taste and flair for decorating shown through.
Tickets to Europe and the states were her and Bill’s idea of a good time, but mostly they hid out from Montana’s long winters at Lake Havasu, AZ and surrounding area. They spent their 50th anniversary staying at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City in order to take in Broadway plays and eat at New York’s famous restaurants. They took cruises when they got bored.
But home was where Anita’s heart was. Beautiful pictures of her children and her grandchildren were hung with flair, along with a beautiful backyard and garden. Roses were her and Bill’s favorites but the gardens included all kinds of flowers, trees and vegetables. They entertained many friends in a covered patio. In her spare time she headed up many family reunions.
The lady with the sparkle in her eye will be forever missed by her husband of 52 years, her daughter Mary (Lloyd W) Hickey, Bozeman and Jamie (Kaye) of Hayden, ID. Five grandchildren Sarah Noel Hickey, Molly Ann Hickey (fiancé Luke Woodring) and Sean Warren Hickey of Bozeman; James David and Lydia Ann Kearns of Hayden were her greatest joy.
Three sisters and one brother survive: Donna (Dr.Bill) Wise, Clancy and Gail (Bruce) Kennedy of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Caryn (Jim) Scow, Helena and Marc Haniuk, Ellensburg, WA. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Lynn Haniuk, Bozeman and Teresa Haniuk, Las Vegas, NV and brother-in-law David Kearns, Townsend. Preceding her in death are brothers Lynn J. and Dennis, as well as her mother and father.
Memorial donations may be sent to Holy Cross Church, PO Box 610, Townsend, MT 59644 or charities of the donor’s choice.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Townsend with a Graveside Service to follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery. Following the burial, everyone is welcome to attend a Reception at the Kearns family home, 210 N Walnut St, Townsend.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00a.m. to Noon
Saturday July 24, 2021
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, MT
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00a.m. to Noon
Saturday July 24, 2021
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, MT
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Steve Sautter says
There are no words to express the sadness that we feel with Anita’s passing. Anita and Bill are lifetime friends that we do so cherish. To Bill and his family we offer our sympathies, our thoughts, and our hopes that you find peace in the coming days. God bless all.
Sharon Rains Potenza says
The community will miss Anita so very much. Her creative spirit leant fun to so many fund raising events. Her quiet sparkle was a delight at any gathering.. and to hear her asides, priceless. She was the best cheerleader for any and every good cause… including The Griz! Our memories of her are a blessing. May she Rest In Peace.
Donna Wise says
I remember her birth and I remember her thoughtfulness through life. May we be together again at the feet of Jesus, my sister.
Caryn Scow says
I have so many great memories of my sister taking Marc and I to the out door movie on many occasions, to swimming pools and the lake, to church, the museum and to the public library. And to this day I still love swimming, movies, history, reading and the Lord. I’ll always carry a piece of her in my heart. ♥️
Mark & Julie Cohen says
Sending our love and most sincere condolences for your loss. The world needs more people like Anita, and I pray that wonderful memories provide you all some comfort during this difficult time.
Rhonda Smith says
I just saw Anita’s lovely obituary in the Bozeman Chronical and wish to pass condolences to her family. I am especially thinking of my classmate and friend Gail Kennedy, sister to Anita. It seems they shared a creative bent. Townsend will miss her beautiful creations I’m sure and we look forward to the time when Gail’s 2 countries can allow safe travels for a celebration of Anita’s life.
Robin Kyle Fiore & Richard Lamport says
Anita wrapped our family reunions in kindness. Her sense of fun was contagious as was her quiet laughter. Her memory is one we carry to help us through this difficult present.
Margaret Erickson says
I am so very sorry to hear of Anita’s passing. She was truly a caring, sharing person. She made a difference with anything that she did. I have always greatly admired Anita. Always a kind word or a friendly arm when you needed one. Amazingly, she always seemed to know when. She was an amazing lady and will be so very missed.
Teresa Graham says
I am so very sorry for the loss of Anita. She was such a lovely person who BBC always had such a warm welcoming smile. She will be miss by all who were acquainted with her and especially those from Townsend. Blessing to the family.
Luanne A Waul says
I have such wonderful memories of the times I spent with Anita and Bill at the Haniuk family reunions. She was loved by all who knew her. Her spirit lives on. Miss you Anita!
Liz and Jim Solberg says
Anita was also a shinning light to our far-flung Kearns side of Bill and Anita’s extended family. We have enjoyed such wonderful times together. Her welcoming, fun, creative, and delicious contributions were so special. She lived a beautiful life and will be greatly missed.
Jacqueline Bodle says
Bill our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nora and Tom1nj says
Anita was a kind and loving person. We enjoyed our Sunday breakfasts and special outings with her and Bill. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. RIP sweet Anita!
Hugh McWhorter says
A good person from a good, giving family.
Heartfelt outreach of sympathy.
Carol Ford says
One of my many fond memories of Townsend was Anita and her love for The Twelve Days of Christmas. She hosted her prayer group at Christmas time, and she would always have her table and home decorated with The Twelve Days of Christmas theme. Whenever I see any item to do with The Twelve Days of Christmas I always think of Anita. She was a dear sweet woman and will be greatly missed.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to Bill and family.
Love & Prayers,
Carol & Tim Ford