Marlys Stearns

Marlys Stearns, age 85, of Bentonville passed away on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014. She was born April 6, 1929, in Rockwell City, Iowa, to the late David and Gladys Bittle Green. Marlys was a special education and ESL school teacher for over 25 years. After teaching many years in Iowa, she added travel and cultural adventures to her career. She taught in Central America, at a Hopi Reservation in Arizona and in Brevig Mission, Alaska, near the Baltic Sea, before ending her teaching career at a Navajo Reservation in Arizona. In 1995, she moved to Rogers, Ark., to be closer to family. She managed Osage Terrace Independent Living until her retirement at age 80. Marlys was a member of the Clowns of America. Her clown name was "Ima Impa," and she spread joy, laughter and love. She was an active member of Central United Methodist Church, as well as the Stephens Ministry. Marlys was preceded in death by two daughters, Donna Stearns and Beverly O'Donnell; and two sisters, Elaine Haxton and Janet Greene. She is survived by her children, Paul Stearns, Mary Nurrie Stearns, Sharon Hopper, Sandra Stearns, James Stearns, Christine Henry and Sally Thomas; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, 10 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, Ark. Private Interment will follow at the Bentonville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benton County Children's Shelter or the Benton County Women's Shelter. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.