Deborah M. (Larson) Stearns, 71, of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Scranton, passed away on December 22, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center after a long courageous battle with breast cancer. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m at Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home. Pastor Mary Peterson will officiate the services. Burial will be at a later date at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery.

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Deborah M Stearns was born on October 23, 1953 in Bowman, ND to Raymond and Carol (Langlee) Larson. She was the middle of five children. Deb grew up and went to school in Scranton, graduated in 1971, then attended Dickinson State University from 1971-1972. Deb married Allan Andersen in 1973 and they were blessed with two wonderful boys, Kasey (1979) and Kyle (1982). During her years in Scranton, Deb worked at the Super Value from 1977-79, then worked with her dear friend LaVonne at her daycare from 1988-1993, where her love for working with children grew. She then went on to work as a para at Scranton Public School from 1994-2000. In 2001 she moved to Dickinson and continued her work in education at Hagen Junior High. There she met so many dear friends that she cherished the rest of her years. During her time at Hagen, she also worked part time at TMI until she went full time there in 2006 until 2010 when she went back to work at Hagen Junior High. In 2010 she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Stearns and they moved to Bismarck in 2012. While in Bismarck she worked at Roosevelt Elementary School in Mandan from 2012-2018.
In 2015, she became a grandma for the first time, when Kyle and Kacy married and Kacy brought with her sweet Baely into the family. Then in 2018 Kasey and Aubree welcomed Dax, her first grandson, and she couldn't have been more over the moon. In 2020, Kacy & Kyle welcomed their first beautiful boy Miles, then sweet Birdie in 2022. Deb loved nothing more than being a grandma. She loved her grand babies more than anything in this world.

In the early years of her and Jerry's marriage, they enjoyed many trips on Jerry's bike and traveled to several beautiful places including NYC on New Years Eve.

If you knew Deb, you knew how very important it was for her to let her friends and family know how much she loved and appreciated them. Whether it was a thank you note for coming to visit, a text hoping you have a great day, or phone call, she always made a conscious effort to let you know she cared about you. She was the most sentimental and put so much thought into gifts and kept every card and gift she ever received.

Deb cherished above all else the time spent with her children and beloved grandchildren, moments that brought her immeasurable joy. She treasured coffee dates with her dearest friends, Luci and Von, where laughter and memories flowed freely. But perhaps what meant the most to her were the times shared with her siblings—her sisters and brother—whose love and bond gave her strength and comfort throughout her life. These profound connections were the heart of her world.

She was the peace keeper, the calm in any storm, the shoulder for everyone else to lean on, the wise one, the knower of all things that needed to be remembered. Her soul radiated with all that is good and kind in this world and she has left us all with a million beautiful memories of her.

A special thank you to her loving and devoted husband Jerry for everything you've done for Deb throughout her cancer battle. Your unwavering strength, love, and dedication have been a constant source of comfort and hope. You've been by her side every single step of the way, never once hesitating to care for her and support her. Watching you stand by her with such patience and tenderness, even in the hardest moments, has been a reminder of the true meaning of love and partnership. Your selflessness and devotion have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Carol Larson and brother in law, Dean Nester.

Deb is survived by her husband, Jerry Stearns of Bismarck, ND; her sons Kasey Andersen (Aubree) of Dickinson, ND and Kyle Andersen (Kacy) of Spearfish, SD; grandchildren: Dax Andersen (Kasey), Baely, Miles and Birdie Andersen (Kyle); stepchildren: Erin and Mika Stearns; siblings: Gayle Nester of Dickinson, ND, Dennis (Cathy) Larson of Malvern, AR, Donna (Bill) Olson of Dickinson, ND, and Shelly (John) Truetken of Scranton, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.