Myrtice "Myrt" Stearns, 97, passed away at 4:04 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, with her family by her side.

Myrt was born Dec. 15, 1921 in Kite, Georgia and was a daughter of Timothy and Mae Belle (Kirksey) Garrett.

She and Eldon E. Stearns were married on April 17, 1954 in Granite City. Sadly he passed away on Jan. 13, 2001.

Myrt worked as a clerk in the water department for the Village of South Roxana for 30 years retiring in 1990.

Survivors include four daughters, Elaine Lewis and Danny of Godfrey, Wilma Brimm and Bill of Granite City, Linda Baumann of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Bonnie Gibson and Rodger of Port St. Lucie, Florida; one son-in-law, Hal Horn of Port St. Lucie, Florida; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Eulie B. Rich and Jeanie of Granite City; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides Eldon and her parents, Myrt was preceded in death by a daughter, May Horn; a son, Denny Stearns and his wife Terri; son-in-law, Herb Baumann; three brothers, James, Charlie, and Arlie Marsh.

Myrt had been a member of  the First Southern Baptist Church in South Roxana and continued as it changed the name to Cross Pointe Church and moved onto the Wanda Road.   She was also a lifetime member of the Ladies Volunteer Auxiliary for the South Roxana Fire Department and served as past president and treasurer, and South Roxana's Dad's Club Auxiliary, serving and playing Bingo. Eldon and Myrt loved camping and being with family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday Jan. 7 at Cross Pointe Church on Wanda Road. Services will be at 12:00 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Tony Rangel officiating.

Burial will be at the Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

Memorials may be made to the Cross Pointe Church.