Dawn Ahearn, 65, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her family by her side.
A rosary will be prayed with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at 4:00pm Thursday, February 12, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will follow from 4:30pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 13, at 11:00am at St. Columba Catholic Church. Cremation rites will follow the service and private burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.
Dawn was born on April 21, 1960, in Ottawa, IL to George and Patricia (Potter) Small. She married Dennis Ahearn on March 15, 1980 at St. Columba Catholic Church.
Dawn worked for over 20 years at First National Bank of Ottawa and was also the co-owner of Ziebart of Ottawa. She was incredibly involved with St. Columba Church and a member of Catholic Daughters. She was an active member of the Handy Homemaker Home Extension Group. She enjoyed traveling and was also active attending her grandchildren’s events. A stroke survivor, she inspired others through her kindness and determination.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Dennis; her father, George Small; her children, Dustin (Wendy) Ahearn and Deanna (Neal) Kuester; her grandchildren, Nora and Brooke Ahearn and Gretchen and Duncan Kuester; and her siblings, Herb (Betty) Small, Tom (Stacey) Small, Nancy (Mark) Duffield, and Michael (Sara) Small.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Patricia.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to St. Brigid Parish (St. Columba Church) or the Grand Ridge Fire Department.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com