Ruthie Joanne Sterle, also known as Joanne, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025. She was born on July 13, 1937, in Hood River, Oregon, and spent her life rooted in the beauty and community of the Pacific Northwest. A longtime resident of Oregon City, Joanne built a life filled with love, faith, service, and deep devotion to her family.
During her high school years in Portland, Joanne met the love of her life, Philip A. Sterle. Though they did not attend the same school, their paths crossed, and a lifelong bond was formed. They married on August 9, 1958, and shared 42 wonderful years of marriage until Philip’s passing in 2000. Their love story remained one of Joanne’s greatest joys and a cherished foundation of her life.
Joanne’s heart for caring for others emerged early when she began her first job as a Candy Striper at Emmanuel Hospital—an experience she remembered with fondness throughout her life. Her spirit of generosity continued in the many ways she served her community. She volunteered at Harvey Scott Elementary School and faithfully taught Sunday School at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, where she touched countless young lives with kindness and encouragement.
Professionally, Joanne dedicated 19 years of service to Pacific Northwest Bell / U.S. West Phone Company, retiring in 1997. After retirement, she embraced her passions wholeheartedly, especially gardening. She was an avid gardener with a natural gift for arranging flowers—so much so that she earned a business license to further pursue her floral creativity. Her arrangements brought joy, color, and beauty to those around her.
With four sons, nieces, and an adventurous brother, Joanne enjoyed a vibrant and active family life. She loved fishing and hunting trips, embraced the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest, and found peace and delight in bird watching. Trips to the Oregon Coast were among her favorite adventures, where she marveled at the coastline’s timeless beauty.
Joanne’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted Christian, she attended Oregon City United Methodist Church and lived her beliefs daily through compassion, generosity, and steadfast love.
Family gatherings were among her greatest joys. Joanne especially cherished Christmas, with its festive decorations and shopping traditions—an area where she was truly talented. She also loved Easter, celebrating both its deeper meaning and the joy of children hunting for eggs. Playing cards with family and friends brought her laughter, connection, and treasured memories.
Joanne is survived by her four sons, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable pride and joy.
She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her kindness, creativity, strength, and generosity touched countless lives. Joanne will be forever loved and deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 12, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97229.
A Light Reception will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location.
Joanne’s final resting place will be at Skyline Memorial Gardens, Portland, Oregon.
