Louise “LouAnne” Stearns, 78, of Barryton, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026. She was born on September 10, 1947, in Troy, Ohio, the daughter of Richard Hawley and Lois (Watterson) Hawley.

On August 31, 1968, she was lovingly married to Elson “Lee” Stearns in Bethesda, Maryland. Together, they proudly served in the United States Navy, LouAnne was a Hospital CORP Wave. Soon after her service, LouAnne moved to Grand Rapids, MI to build a home. She attended Butterworth Nursing College to continue in pursuit of taking care of others. After Lee completed his service, he joined her, and together they built a life centered on family, love, and dedication to others.

LouAnne worked for many years in the office of Dr. Gordon Van Otteren while earning her Nurse Practitioner license. She was truly a pioneer in her field, becoming one of the first Nurse Practitioners in Western Michigan, paving the way for many who would follow. She took great pride in caring for her own patients and building lasting relationships with those she served. Her legacy is still carried on through friends made along the way. 

Even after retirement, Louanne’s passion for helping others never faded. She returned to work as a travel nurse, serving communities across the United States and assisting with wellness clinics.

LouAnne and Lee purchased a lakeside property in Barryton in 1996. After fully retiring, they made it their permanent home, embracing the peaceful lake life she loved — fishing whenever she pleased and enjoying the beauties of nature.

LouAnne was a devoted grandmother to five granddaughters, lovingly known as "Mema." She cherished every moment and memory with each of them. Her journey as a grandmother took a beautiful turn when she later became a great-grandmother to five great-grandsons. Throughout her life, LouAnne upheld family traditions, always making sure her loved ones knew they were cherished beyond measure. She often expressed her affection with phrases like, "I love you to the moon and back" and "I love you right back."

She had many creative passions, including wood-carving, sewing, crocheting, baking, and quilting. She especially enjoyed playing music with the "Broken Glass String Band" and attending dulcimer events and festivals. Louanne was devoted to her faith and served as a deacon at Chippewa Lake Community Church, where she formed many close friendships and found a second family.

She is survived by her husband of 58 cherished years: Lee; children: Justin (Christie) Stearns and Kelli (Jim) Wiseman; grandchildren: Samantha (Paul) Wybo, Alyssa (Greg) Begeman; Kate (Keith) Evans; Georgia Wiseman, and Laci Wiseman; great-grandchildren: Landon, Benjamin, Jaxson, Isaac, and Hugh; brother: Michael Hawley; and Louanne's beloved German Shorthair: Ellie. Louanne is preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Richard.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Chippewa Lake Community Church (10490 Lake St. Chippewa Lake, MI 49320). Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow at the Chippewa Lake Community Center. Military Honors will be conducted by the Barryton American Legion Post #473.Arrangements are in the care of Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Homes in Barryton. To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit www.daggettfuneral.com.