TOUGH MIND AND TENDER HEART Weve just found out that Merle Grace Kearns died over the weekend. For those who didnt know her, we share some abbreviated details highlighting her life along with a more complete obituary at the bottom of the page: She had a distinguished 27-year career in public service. She served as a Clark County Commissioner, State Representative, State Senator and Director of the Agency on Aging; was named Legislator of the Year by 10 organizations; was named the Dayton Daily News Top 10 Women in the Miami Valley; in 2010 inducted into the Ohio Womens Hall of Fame; she was most proud of leading the legislative effort to enact Ohio law recognizing the profession of Advance Practice Nurses (APNs), and for this she received an Honorary Degree from Wright State University. But beyond all she did, here are a few chips that reflect a bit of what her life meant to others: • Merle Kearns was always such a friend to those of us who worked on behalf of vulnerable populations and made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many people. (John CorlettJohn R. Corlett, Vice President, Government Relations and Community Affairs; The MetroHealth System, Cleveland) • Sen. Kearns was the key architect, along with Senate President Finan and ODHS Director Jacque Sensky, of the parent Medicaid expansion to 100% FPL in 1999. It was always a delight to work with her. I wish we had more like her. (Col Owens Senior Attorney Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio LLC, Cincinnati) • I hope that we all remember her thoughtfulness and compassion in all we do. She was always the first to challenge the argument when her colleagues advocated policies to do less. She will be missed as a leader for the voiceless. (Lisa Hamler-Fugitt | Executive Director Ohio Association of Mid-Ohio Foodbank) • She was also a champion of child care. Rest easy old friend. (Marty Sweterlitsch, Attorney) • She was a determined and caring woman of action who bridged partisan affiliations and political differences. She had an acute ability to listen which was especially evident with those whose opinions differed from hers. She understood suffering and advocated for needy Ohioans. She was a champion humanitarian, model public official, and good, good person. (Bob Erickson, Hunger Network in Ohio) ****************************************************************************** legacy/obituaries/sidneydailynews/obituary.aspx?n=merle-kearns&pid=172067234 dispatch/content/stories/local/2014/08/11/former-state-senator-merle-kearns-dies.html
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 01:16:19 +0000
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