Shirley Jean Sterling

Shirley Jean Sterling passed peacefully into the arms of God on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Oakwood Heights Village. She was 94.

Jean was born on July 6, 1930 in Leeper, PA to Harry C. and Kathryn E. (Phillips) Dahle.

She graduated from Farmington High School in 1948, and did her nurses training (R.N.) at Allegheny General School of Nursing, graduating in 1951.

She was married to Robert C. Sterling on December 6, 1951.

Jean worked in Franklin and Oil City Hospitals in nursing until her three sons were born, then provided private duty nursing for many local families. She also worked at Polk State School and Hospital before her final position at the Oil City Psychiatric Center. She retired as the hospital was closing in 1991. She enjoyed her psychiatric nursing work most of all.

She was active in a variety of church activities at Grace United Methodist Church over many years. She was proud of a special needs Sunday School class she helped start there.

Jean was a 50-plus year member and Past Matron at the Holly Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was a 40 year member of the Harvard Health Nurses Study Program.

Jean had a great sense of humor, and a dramatic flair, occasionally portraying a “Minnie Pearl” sort of character to entertain at church activities and class reunions.

She loved her three sons, Jeff (Dara), Jay (Martha), Jon (Sharon) and their families and especially enjoyed her six grandchildren: Shelah, Evan, Sarah, Joanna, Lydia, and Ian; and 8 great grandchildren: Amelie, Luke, Holden, Mira, Michael, Jason, Avalynne, and Adria.

Jean and Bob celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2016. Bob preceded her in death on May 26, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 100 Central Avenue, Oil City, PA 16301.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca.  There will be no visitation or service held. Private interment will be made in Bredinsburg Cemetery at a later date. 

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