Denise G. Kearney

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Denise G. (Cranford) Kearney. She left us on February 6, 2025, in Colorado Springs surrounded by her family. She was 77 years old. Denise was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, whose radiant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

Denise was born on April 7, 1947, in Lexington, Nebraska to Dick and Zola (Head) Cranford. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for learning. She began school in rural District Three, then went on to Lexington Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1965. She excelled academically, musically and in dance. She opened her own dance studio where she taught tap dancing and twirling while still in high school. After her graduation, Denise attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri.

Denise married the love of her life, Kent Kearney, on February 12, 1966; they would have celebrated their 59th anniversary on the twelfth of this month. Together, Denise and Kent were blessed with two daughters, Kimberly Kearney (Colorado Springs, CO) and Shawn Kearney (Minneapolis, MN) and one granddaughter, Kiara Kearney (Washington, DC). Denise was a devoted and nurturing mother and was very proud of her small family’s many accomplishments.

While Kent was still attending the University of Nebraska, Denise worked as a telephone operator at the Lincoln Telephone Company. After moving to Alma, Nebraska in the 1970s, Denise founded and lead the formation of a Girl Scout troop. She served in many capacities in the local organization and the Goldenrod Girl Scout Council, in Kearney, Nebraska including a term as President.

Denise had a multitude of interests and hobbies that brought her joy. While living in Alma, she loved boating and camping at the lake with her family. She enjoyed gardening and growing daylilies, especially after moving to Norton, Kansas in the 1990s. She was an avid reader, especially of mystery novels and loved working crossword and sudoku puzzles.

Denise leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory including her brother Dana and his wife Andrea Cranford (Lincoln, NE), her sister Dee and her husband Scott Crozier (Fishers, IN), as well as numerous nephews and nieces, and three foreign exchange students whom she considered family. Her friends will remember her as a person whose presence made the world a better place.

While Denise may no longer be with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We find solace in the countless beautiful memories we shared with her and the knowledge that she is now at peace and, as a believer, home with her Savior.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Denise's life will be held on Saturday, February 15th at the Reynolds Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska at 10:30 a.m., with Lay Minister Sarah Neben, officiating, followed by interment at Jewell Cemetery West of Sumner, Nebraska.

Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences to the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com