Lana S. Bearden

Lana Sue Bearden, 77, of Creston, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, May 1, 2025. She was born Nov. 10, 1947, to the late Katheryn Smith and Harold Blazek in Creston.

As a child, Lana helped raise ponies with her family and competed in competitions at the Iowa State Fair. She graduated from Creston High School in 1965, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1969, and in 1974 achieved a master’s degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University.

In 1970, Lana married Elmer Junior Bearden. Together, they had one child, Jason. The couple later divorced in 1972.

Lana was deeply passionate about education, her students and her family. She dedicated more than 30 years to teaching and administration, serving as both an elementary teacher and principal in Prescott and Lenox. After retirement, she continued to support local education as a substitute teacher at East Union School in Afton and St. Malachy School in Creston.

Known for her caring and kindness, Lana made a point to learn every student’s name, referring to them affectionately as “her kids.” Many of her former students kept in touch long after graduation, a true testament to the deep, lasting relationships she fostered and the profound impact she had on their lives, guiding them long after they left her classroom.

She also played a central role in the life of her grandson Alex. Whether teaching him to read, attending every baseball game and band concert or sharing quiet afternoons watching movies or gardening, Lana was a constant, loving presence in his life. She was, in every sense, the greatest grandmother in the world.

Lana was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Katheryn Blazek; her brother Craig Blazek and several aunts and uncles. Each of them had a unique impact on her life.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Jason Bearden of Creston and her grandson Alex Bearden of Albany, California. She is also remembered fondly by numerous cousins.

A visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston. A funeral service honoring Lana’s life will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 8, also at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center with Rev. Mary O’Riley officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Creston.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Malachy School and the Eagles Nest in Prescott. Memories can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.