Barbara Kearney

Barbara Ann (Elsken) Kearney, age 82, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, following a short and unexpected illness.

Born on July 25, 1943, in Paris, Arkansas, Barbara was the daughter of William Charles and Albertine (Girard) Elsken. She graduated from Paris High School and St. Edward’s School of Nursing and lived out her calling to care for others through a devoted career as a registered nurse. She served patients and families at the Conway Human Development Center, the Arkansas Department of Health, and North Logan Mercy Hospital in Paris.

Barbara found joy and peace in gardening and proudly became a Master Gardener alongside her husband Fred in the early 1990s. She was also a devoted sports fan, especially of the Arkansas Razorbacks. After retirement, Barbara continued her life of service through volunteer work at Springhill Baptist Medical Center and St. Anne Catholic Church, including faithfully stocking the Little Pantry. She found her greatest joy in family time and was a devoted supporter of her cherished granddaughter, Hayley (Scott) Hatler, and her athletic events, theatre productions, and dance recitals. Barbara treasured her church friendships, delighted in feeding birds, and had a deep love for animals, especially her beloved cats.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick Kearney; her parents; her sister, Catherine Nehus; and her brother, Charles Elsken. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Holly Scott, and son-in-law, Edward Scott; her cherished granddaughter, Hayley (Scott) Hatler and husband, Nathan Hatler; along with many nieces and nephews, dear friends, and her cats, Maxie, Mickey, and Minnie.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anne Catholic Church in North Little Rock. Interment is on Thursday, March 12, at 9:00 AM at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Fr. Martín Amaro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

 Community Cats of Central Arkansas.

10620 Highway 70, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117

(501) 831-1679

PayPal- communitycatsglobal@gmail.com

CashApp- $CommunityCatsAR

Venmo- @Communitycats (last 4- 4284)

Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main Street, NLR, AR 72114).