Kathy J. Sterling

Kathy Jo Sterling, 71, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed peacefully at home early Tuesday, March 11, 2025 after prolonged health problems.

Kathy was born June 25, 1953 in Champaign, Illinois the daughter of Kenneth Lee and Celia Anna (Hegmann) Pratt. After graduating from Centennial High School in 1970, Kathy attended Parkland Community College in Champaign. Kathy and Jeffry S. Sterling were married at Shebb Oaks Lake near Oneida, Illinois on July 25, 1987.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Jeff of Galesburg; two daughters, Carlie (Patrick) Leigh of Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin and Beth (Bryson) Barnes of Eagle River, Alaska; and five grandchildren, Brooklyn, Keough, and Wyatt Barnes, and Avery and Reid Leigh. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents. Kathy had a true love for flowers and enjoyed keeping her garden looking nice.

Kathy worked for many years at Bergner’s in the Sandburg Mall from the day the store opened until the day it closed. She was known for being fair to her employees and a problem solver for store customers. She maintained her Bergner friendships to her final days.

Special thank you to Dr. Srini and the employees and friends at the Fresenius Kidney Center for their expert care.

Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to WIAR (Western Illinois Animal Rescue), Monmouth, Illinois, .https://www.wiarrescue.com/.  Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.