Steffany Lynn Stearns

Steffany Lynn “Missy” Stearns, age 63, of Akron, Ohio, passed after a brief illness on June 8, 2025.

She was born in Akron, Ohio in 1961 to Robert Dean Stearns and Laura Jane (McNeese) Stearns. She was a graduate of Firestone High School and attended the University of Akron.

Steffany began a long and successful career in the world of professional ballet as a young dancer with the Dance Institute, the official school of the former Ohio Ballet Company in Akron, Ohio. She matriculated through the program and was offered a position as a professional member of this company in 1978. Steffany danced for many years with The Ohio Ballet, delighting audiences through the many performances offered during Ohio Ballet seasons, as well as touring nationally and internationally throughout South America, Europe and across the United States. She was a well trusted dancer who originated roles and was respected for her skill and artistry.

Following her career as a dancer she continued to live a life marked by creativity. She taught dance in Columbus, Ohio, excelled in floral design, made jewelry and created unique and beautiful hand-painted gift boxes. She was deeply committed to her Christian faith. She loved beauty, her daughter, her family and her friends. She found great joy in gardening and feeding the wildlife that visited her backyard.

Steffany was preceded in death by her father, Robert Dean Stearns, and her mother, Laura Jane Stearns; and her husband, James Kautenburger. She is survived by her daughter, Angela Kautenburger (Columbus, Ohio); brothers, Jeffrey Dean Stearns (Akron, Ohio), Rev. Robert “Seth” Stearns (Lori Porschart) (Dublin, Ohio); and her two cousins, Christopher Stearns (Kathryn West) (Dalton, Georgia) and Jonathan Stearns (New York City).

A celebration of life is being planned and will take place at a later date in Akron, Ohio.

To celebrate the life and spirit of Steffany, memorial contributions may be made to: First Community Foundation, 1320 Cambridge Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43212.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333.