Erma L Sterling

Erma Lucile Peterson Sterling, 102, died on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Hawthorne Inn, Galesburg, Illinois. Erma was born October 11, 1914, in Mercer County near Viola, to Frances and Clarence Holdsworth. She married Paul Peterson in 1936. Erma and Howard Sterling were married in 1974. Erma graduated in 1932 from Viola High School. After graduating from Blackburn College, she began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse near New Windsor, and later taught for many years in the Galesburg schools. She was active in the PEO and ADK sororities, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Surviving Erma are: her son, Dale (Elizabeth) Peterson of Perth, Australia, her daughter, Sherrill (Mike) O'Brien of Tampa, Florida, her step-sons Jeffry (Kathy) Sterling of Galesburg, and Ted (Mary Jane) Sterling of Peoria, and her sister, Phyllis Titus of Godfrey. Other family members, include grandchildren: Heather (David) Lancelot, Melissa (Weldon) Lavigne, Chloe Peterson, Jack Peterson, Carlie (Patrick) Leigh, Beth (Bryson) Barnes, Jon Sterling, Jim (Janet) Sterling, and Jane Sterling; also Erma had ten great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews both in the Galesburg area and throughout the States. Erma was preceded in death by her daughter, Paula Kay, in 1945, her brother, Dean (during World War II), by Paul R. Peterson in 1968 and by Howard W. Sterling in 1994. Erma enjoyed traveling and did so extensively with family and friends. Erma enjoyed playing bridge and visiting with friends in the area. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg on Thursday, May 18th, at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be made to: Trinity Lutheran Church, Galesburg Community Foundation, or National Braille Press. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.