Thelma J. Sterling, age 79, of Brownstown, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Schneck Medical Center, Seymour.
She was a member of Brownstown Christian Church, where she planned and organized funeral dinners for numerous years.
Thelma was a 1954 graduate of Brownstown Central High School and attended every Alumni Banquet subsequent to her graduation. She was an avid reader and was a lifelong card holder at the Brownstown Public Library. She played in various bridge clubs for over 50 years and was an initial member of the Hickory Hills Golf Club, where she played in numerous golf leagues and enjoyed many golf trips with her friends. She enjoyed occasional trips to Belterra Casino with her daughters. Much to the dismay of her Indiana University family, she was an avid fan of the University of Kentucky basketball since her childhood.
Thelma was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. She loved to cook and bake and also enjoyed watching all sports, particularly football, golf, basketball and baseball.
Born on February 7, 1936, in Jackson County, Indiana, she was the daughter of Hartley and Lois Schornick Hotchkiss, both of whom preceded her in death. She married William Dee Sterling on August 8, 1954 in Brownstown and he preceded her in death on July 6, 2008.
Survivors include two daughters, Linda Dee Anglin of Hayden, Indiana, and Barbara Ann (Tim) Conner of Peru, Indiana; three grandchildren, Stephanie J. (Andy) Ebbing of North Vernon, Clark S. Conner of Indianapolis, and Lauren E. Conner of Bloomington; three great grandchildren, Emily J. Ebbing, Allison Ebbing and Nicholas A. Ebbing, all of North Vernon; and five cousins.
In addition to both parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by one son, D. Mark Sterling; six loving aunts and two loving uncles.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015 at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, with Pastor Gary Morning officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday, August 7, 2015 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to the Brownstown Public Library or the Brownstown Christian Church.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh@comcast.net " title="Click to open in a new window or tab" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> www.spurgeonfh@comcast.net