Mrs. Dean (Willen) Stearns of Albany, Kentucky, passed away at The Medical Center in Albany, Kentucky, on Friday, July 25, 2025, having attained the age of 98 years, 7 months, and 14 days. She was born in Albany, Kentucky on Monday, December 13, 1926, the daughter of Lee A. and Cora (Melton) Willen. She was of the Baptist faith, a member of Cave Springs Baptist Church and worked for Clinton Manufacturing Company, Grider Hill Dock, B & B Nursery, and the local Hospital. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, and spoiling her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie W. Stearns, son, Bill W. Stearns, five sisters, Maude McWhorter, Clarice Butler, Maggie Hay, Louise Stevens and Mary Lee McWhorter.

She is survived by her children, Betty (and Darrell) Weaver of Louisville, Kentucky, Martha Heist of Albany, Kentucky, Don (and Lisa) Stearns of Louisville, Kentucky, Sheila Stearns of Albany, Kentucky. Daughter-in-law, Donna Stearns of Louisville, Kentucky, grandchildren, Amy Cordrey, Sarah Hargrove, Laura Knight, Jake Stearns, Chris Marcum, Heather Brandenburg, Marci Guffey, Ashley Reid, Joshua Stearns, Tyler Stearns,  great-grandchildren, Jordan Cordrey, Allie Hargrove, Ainsley Hargrove, Logan Knight, Gavin Knight, Lex Marcum, Hadeon Isenberg, Vivianne Brandenburg, Jones Guffey, Charlie June Reid, Finn Reid, Austin Arms, Chloe Arms, Skyler Arms and due in September 2025 Eli Stearns.

The Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. C.S.T., in The Memory Chapel of Campbell-New Funeral Home with Bro. Ronnie Bernard officiating. Burial will follow in The Grider Hill Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be Tyler Stearns, Josh Stearns, Chris Marcum, Michael Brandenburg, Jake Stearns, John Knight, Randy Cordrey & Troy Hargrove. Honorary Casket bearers will be Ernie Guffey & Chad Reid. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to Cave Springs Baptist Church or Hospice of Lake Cumberland.

Campbell-New Funeral Home in Albany is honored to be in charge of the arrangements.