Catherine RoAnn Cook Stearns, devoted wife, incredible mom, awesome aunt and faithful friend, passed away on April 25, 2015. Known as Cathy to her family and friends, she is survived by her husband of nearly 33 years, Zachary B. Stearns of Bastrop; daughter Audra Stearns; mother Joan Martin Cook; sister Caren Cook Burbach and husband Ed; nieces Caroline Catherine Burbach, Shaunna Teuton, DuAnn Gardner, Lauren Beck, and Farrah Fossett; nephews Beau Roy Burbach, Royce Verboom, Chad Verboom, Blake Verboom; and many lifelong treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her loving father Roy H. Cook, and grandparents William F. (Buddy) and Lottie Cook and William and Mabel Martin.
Born November 5, 1958 in Tyler, Texas to Roy and Joan Cook, Cathy graduated from Waller High School in 1977. She attended college at Southwest Texas State University and Texas A&M University. She married Zachary Stearns on July 23, 1982.
Cathy's greatest joy in life was being with and taking care of her family and her dogs who were her constant companions. She doted on her daughter and her nieces and nephews.
A gifted artist, Cathy's paintings are family treasures. She had a flair for interior design and created beautiful homes. She enjoyed antiquing and for some time owned an antiques business. Cathy was a founding member of Lost Pines Bible Church. Her faith was evident in her daily walk.
Cathy's courageous battle with cancer spanned over 37 years and was always met with immeasurable courage, poise, dignity and grace that so characterized her life. The manner in which she faced and beat cancer time after time and against all odds was an inspiration to those facing cancer and to everyone who knew her. Those who knew her would describe her as the strongest and sweetest person they know.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church* with Pastor Kevin Kissel officiating. Graveside services will follow at Fields Store Cemetery next to the church.
Pallbearers are Beau Roy Burbach, Ed Burbach, Harold Thomas, Guy Thomas, Royce Verboom, Chad Verboom, Blake Verboom, Roger Frey, Larry Wedeking, and David Kaminski.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Waller Rescue Ranch, a non-profit dog and puppy rescue organization.
*New Hope United Methodist Church is located next to Fields Store Cemetery at 26104 Schnieder Road, Waller, Texas 77484 (near the intersection of FM362 and FM1488).