Earnest A. Sterling,
88, passed away May 7, 2022 at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born
June 15, 1933 in Hutchinson, the son of Frank and Marie (Strawn) Sterling.
He attended Nickerson High School and was drafted into the United States
Army. He served in the Korean War and
was honorably discharged on April 22, 1955.
Earnest married Shirley Nickels on June 24, 1967 in Nowata, OK. She
passed away in 2016. Earnest was a longtime resident of Pretty
Prairie. He worked for Ford as a farm tractor mechanic and retired after
36 years.
Earnest was preceded
in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; two sisters, Norma Jean Scott and Joyce
Elliot; and two brothers, Don Sterling and Richard Sterling.
He is survived by his children; Shawn Sterling, Arlington, Jody Harris,
Emporia, Rodney Sterling, Hutchinson, Todd Sterling (Meghann), Hutchinson, his
sister, Jan (Rick) Jensen; six grandchildren, Amber (Kris) Kohlhoff, Justin
(Amy) Sterling, Tacie Harris (Levi Hadden), Austin Harris (Kenzie Zimmerman),
Parker Sterling and Kierah Sterling; and nine great-grandchildren, Logan and
Mason Kohlhoff, Olivia and Gunner Sterling, Aiden Hadden, Mason Crook, Brynlee
and Canton Hadden and Remington Harris.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m.,
Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th
Ave, Hutchinson with Pastor Darrell Peterson presiding. The family will greet friends following the
service. Visitation will be held from 5
p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022 at the funeral chapel.