Mary Lou Sterling

Mary Lou (Pohlabel) Sterling, 85, of Lima, passed at 4:12 a.m., Thursday, February 14, 2013, at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was born July 14, 1927, in Lima, to Frank and Mildred (Borton) Pohlabel who preceded her in death. On September 11, 1948, she married James D. Sterling who preceded her in death on February 13, 2010.

Mrs. Sterling graduated from Lima Central High School in 1945. She was an avid reader and a great fan of the Cincinnati Reds. She was a member of and sang in the choir for Olivet Presbyterian Church until it closed. She was currently a member of Shawnee Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Sterling was a past president of American Legion Post 96 Auxiliary, a member of V.F.W. Post 1275 Auxiliary and Moose Lodge #199 Auxiliary. Mrs. Sterling worked for 38 years at the Ohio Bureau of Employment Service and retired April 30, 1987. She then worked as the cook for ten years for Moose Lodge #199.

Surviving include 2 sisters: Betty Davidson Prosser of Lima and Freda Kuck of New Knoxville; three grandchildren: Nick (Sarah) Kennedy, Chaunci Kennedy and Katie (Brian) Mears all of Lima; ten great-grandchildren: Taylor Klenke, Dustin Klenke, Nicole Klenke, Colson Kennedy, Morgan Kennedy, Kylie Kennedy, Rylee Dean, Jenna Kennedy, Sophie Kennedy and Noah Mears.

She was preceded in death by a son, James Sterling, Jr. who died October 31, 2003, a daughter Sherri Gurgone who died April 11, 2005, two granddaughters, Ashli Kennedy who died March 8, 1982 and Mindy Sterling who died January of 2003 and a brother Nicholas Pohlabel who died in 1967.

Service will begin at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, February 18, 2013, at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home, with Pastor Daniel Messner officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, from 2-4, and 6-8 p.m., at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Angels for Animals.

Condolences may be expressed at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com