Kimberly Sue (Hannig) Stearns, 53, Valley City, ND passed away peacefully, yet
unexpectedly due to a sudden cardiac event, at her home on June 28, 2024. Kim was
born January 17, 1971, to Suzanne (Peterson) and James Hannig at Mercy Hospital in
Valley City, ND, the first of four children. Kim attended elementary and high school at
Oriska Public School where she participated in numerous musical pursuits to include
choir, band and listening to her music full blast to and from wherever she was going. A
highlight of Kim’s teenage years was a trip to Colorado for The Horse Bowl through 4-H,
resulting in various awards.
Following high school, Kim attended ND State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND for
legal studies. She spent over a decade at Tri-WG where she specialized in customer
service and sales. Kim then secured a role as a Customer Service Representative at
Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND. After years of dedicated service, Kim was promoted to
the position of trainer where she coached and mentored team members to take on the
Customer Service role.
Kim is survived by her husband of nearly 22 years, Richard Elliot Stearns. Her children, Jessica (Joseph) Clyde, Chance Stearns and Cheyenne Stearns, all of whom reside in Valley City, ND. Kim and Rick are blessed with two grandchildren, Jayden and Jaycee Clyde. Kim is also survived and surrounded by the love of her family; parents: James and Suzanne Hannig, siblings: Wade (Erin) Hannig, Tara (Tom) Morris and Troy (Elizabeth) Hannig. Kim adored her numerous nieces and nephews, Brady (Jerilyn) Beckman, Reed Beckman, Levi (Jocelyn) Hannig, Cade Hanson, Faith (Jackson) Morris, Brooklyn Hannig, Annie Hannig, Gabby Hannig and JR Morris, as well as great nieces and nephew, Hattie Beckman, Miloh Hannig and Birdie Beckman.
Kim had a passion for her family, horses and good times. Her smile was contagious, her laugh was harmony, and she gave the very best hugs. She never let you leave without saying, “I love you”. Kim never complained and always accepted the challenges in front of her, bringing her A-game to everything she did. Kim made her family and friends feel loved, adding warmth to all our lives. The hole Kim leaves in our hearts will never be filled, for anyone who knew her.
Kim was at her happiest surrounded by her family, friends and her horses, wearing her favorite jeans, her boots, a sassy tank top and her signature bandana. In recent years, Kim and Rick were able to fulfill their dream of owning their own farmstead, just ¾ of a mile from Mom and Dad and her brother, Wade. Kim wanted very little in material things and would give the little she did have. She found true joy on this farmstead in the years preceding her death.
Despite her petite stature, Kim enjoyed many culinary delights, known for her deviled eggs, hearty hot dishes, Grandma June’s taco dip and spinach/artichoke dip. Being an avid gardener, Kim also spent much of her summer months tending to her vast garden. She took great pride in her family enjoying the robust results of this labor of love. Kim is preceded in death by father-in-law: Richard Stearns Sr., uncle: Roger Peterson, grandparents: Raymond and Margarete Peterson, James and June Hannig, Tom and Esther Elliot,
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Barnes County Sherriff’s Office, the Barnes Ambulance, Lerud Mathias Funeral Home, Kim’s dear friend, Kelly Mammenga, and the many friends and family who have extended their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, plant a tree or patch of wildflowers, as both were something that brought Kim incredible joy.
Her funeral service will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City Wednesday, July 3 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00. She will be laid to rest in Memory Gardens Cemetery. The service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with her obituary on her tribute page at lerudmathias.com An online guestbook is available there as well.