Kirsten Ann Kearns

Kirsten Ann Kearns, 50, of Moline, IL, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Alive Hospice Residence Nashville, TN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at River City Church (2305 7th Ave. Moline, IL). Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Burial will be at Moline Memorial Park. Memorials can be made to the family and will be distributed to organizations of their choice.

Kirsten Kearns was born on November 22,1975, in Moline daughter of Dennis and Deanna (Black) Kearns. She graduated from Temple Christian Academy in 1993 and from Western Illinois University in 2011.

Kirsten’s grandma was a teacher and she would help set up the classroom during summer. This gave Kirsten a desire at a young age, to become a teacher. After high school, she pursued her education, but enjoyed her friends and visits in the lounge more than classes. This led Kirsten into working retail, in a histology lab with her mom, and then taking a nanny position in Highland Park for the Deer family, with 5 children. She loved those children and never lost touch with them, continuing to attend graduations, weddings and welcoming their babies, too. During her later nanny years, her desire for teaching returned and she began night classes working towards her degree. She returned to the Quad Cities attending Western Illinois University, receiving her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at George O. Barr Elementary in Silvis, IL, falling in love with the staff and children. Her devotion to her 4th graders kept her teaching through her battle with cancer, only stepping back approximately 8 weeks ago as her disease worsened.

Outside of the classroom, Kirsten embraced life to the fullest in a way this world rarely sees. She loved traveling and creating memories through new experiences, whether exploring unfamiliar places or enjoying time with the people she loved most. Her diagnosis was never an anchor for her love of life, but a driving force to live more. She valued laughter, adventure and the simple moments that made life memorable.

Family was the center of her world. She treasured her role as Auntie K and took great joy in celebrating milestones, sharing tradition, and creating lasting memories with her niece, Rylee. She was a devoted daughter and sister whose love and support were a constant in the lives of those close to her.

Those who knew Kirsten will remember her for her generous heart, loyalty, humor, and ability to make people feel welcome and appreciated. She built friendships that lasted a lifetime and leaves behind a community of people who are better for having known her.

While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her memory will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched, the relationships she nurtured and the love she shared so freely.

The family invites all who knew Kirsten to celebrate her life and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Those left to cherish her love and memories are, her mom and husband, Dee Dee (Mike) Kight, step-sister, Angie Kight, niece, Rylee Sophia Carver (Brett, Lola, Quinn, Van Deventer), grandfather, James Black, grandmother, Deloris Miller, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins, including her closest cousins, Aimee ‘J’, Anna, & Grace Marple, Kirsten’s Jason (Wild) and her chosen family, Danielle, Jeramy, Jase & Bo Blackwood.

Preceding Kirsten in death is her father, Dennis Kearns, grandmother, Delores Black, grandfathers, Edward Kearns & Doyle Miller, aunt & uncle, Lynn and Doug Andrews, uncle John Kearns.

The family would like to thank Unity Point Oncology and Mayo Clinic Oncology for the great care given to Kirsten. You all became her family over the years of treatment. Also, we would like to thank the ICU at Williamson Hospital, Franklin, TN and Alive Hospice Residents, Nashville for the awesome care given during Kirsten's final days. There was a reason God put her in your hands at this time and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Words cannot express our appreciation! Dr. Patel you were always there, day or night for this anxious mom, you're the best!!

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.