Gloria Sterling

GLORIA STERLING Gloria Gretzel Sterling, daughter of Pete and Samatha P. Conner Rybaki, was born, January 1, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri. She departed this life, Monday, March 30, 2009 in Lake Ozark Retirement Center, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of eighty-three years, two months and twenty-nine days. On April 2, 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Woodell "Woody" A. Sterling. They originally met while in the second grade together and fate brought them together later in life. Together they shared fifty-three years until his passing on November 23, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her adopted sons, Don Fohn and David Harkins, both of Eldridge, Missouri; two cousins, Doris Leonard and Lois King both of St. Louis, Missouri and many other friends. Gloria was raised in St. Louis, Missouri where she graduated from high school. She and Woody were married after World War II. She lived most of her life in the St. Louis area except for a time spent in Moses Lake, Washington. They retired to the Lake of the Ozarks in 1990. She worked as a Production Analyst for the United Sates Air Force Aeronautical Chart and Information Center. She was most proud of being a map maker for the Cuban Missile Crisis. She made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Camdenton United Methodist Church. She and Woody were long time members of Lake Valley Country Club in Camdenton. In her spare time, she enjoyed archery and playing golf. She had received awards in both areas. She was a talented artist and did many wonderful paintings. She loved playing music. When she could no longer play, she donated her Organ to Prosperine Church near Eldridge. Gloria was a loving and caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will treasure the memories she created for her family and friends. Graveside services and burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2009 in Hufft Cemetery in Eldridge. Memorial donations may be made to Dogwood Animal Shelter and left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.