Mary W. Sterling

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Green Mount Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Mary was born on March 12, 1926 in East Saint Louis, IL the daughter of Josiah and Louise (Pletz) Whitnel who preceded her in death. She was married on June 26, 1948 in Belleville, IL to Richard W. Sterling who preceded her in death on April 30, 1996. Mary graduated from the University of IL at Champaign with a degree in English. While she was a dedicated homemaker, she served two terms on the Signal Hill Board of Education, served as President of the St. Clair County Lawyers’ Wives, volunteered for various community activities, including Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Cub Scouts Leader and several others. During WW II, she served as a volunteer at Scott Air Force Base making bandages. She was an avid gardener all her life. After her husband’s death, she worked with her sister Elizabeth at EWR Estate Sales. She later worked as a health care assistant with Home Instead until she was 80.

Survivors include: one son, Richard W. Sterling Jr. (Becky) of Columbia, MO; one daughter, Mary Sterling Wiener of Sarasota, FL; one sister, Elizabeth Whitnel Reichert of Belleville, IL; four grandchildren, Caitlin DeRowe(Olek), James B. Wiener, Jerry Styles, Valerie Weiss (Patrick); nine great grandchildren, Drew Styles (Stephanie), Parker Styles, Jacob Giltz, Hunter Hardin, Emma Styles, Wyatt Weiss, Gracie Styles Olivia Weiss, Alex DeRowe; and two great-great grandchildren, Elijah Pauley and Elliott Styles. Mary was also survived by her sister’s children; Whit Reichert (Millie), Jim Reichert (Connie) and John Reichert (Karen) as well as a number of Sterling family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salvation Army, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202.