Mary Sue Sterling, 91, of Loogootee

She was born to Paris and Marguerite (Livers) Cannon on December 29, 1934 in Loogootee, Indiana. On July 7, 1953, she married the love of her life, Donald Gene Sterling and he preceded her in death on the same day 12 years ago on September 9, 2014. 

Mary was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and a devoted homemaker. She enjoyed helping others and volunteered in many ways over the years, including as a Pink Lady at Daviess Community Hospital, as a 4-H leader, and with St. Vincent de Paul charities. She stayed active throughout her life and, even at 91, exercised every day. Mary also enjoyed the simple pleasures, especially going to the casino with her son, Rob, and his wife, Nancy, and enjoying a meal at the Chinese buffet. She was a fan of hot and spicy foods in general. Her faith, love of family, and willingness to help others were an important part of who she was. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; one son, Steven Sterling; one grandson, Dylan Sterling; siblings: Lucille Mramor, Doris Reising, Dorothy Taylor, Margie Flinn, Jenny (Arvin) Strange, Eleanor Haller, Eva Mae Babrick, John Cannon, Joe Cannon, and Bob Cannan. 

Mary Sue is lovingly remembered by her children: Rob (Nancy) Sterling of Loogootee, Brad (Lynn) Sterling of Augusta, GA, Roger (Kim) Sterling of Vincennes, and Brenda (Bill) Rutherford of Paoli; one sister, Nancy Hayes; Grandchildren: Audra (Chris) Wood, Valerie Griffin, Nathan Sterling, Nicole (Matt) Fellows, Jeremy Sterling, Grant (Rebecca) Sterling, Dali (Jake) Ivey; great-grandchildren: Collette Fellows, Ethan Wood, Carter Wood, Madison Sterling, Brycen Sterling, Kinsley Sterling, Tegan Claire Sterling, Scarlett Sterling, Skylar Sterling, Eddison Ivey, Emmory Ivey, Sterling Ivey and Phillip Griffin; and several nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker and Deacon, Earl Ruppel on September 18, 2026 at 10 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loogootee, Indiana, with burial to follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Mary Sue to St. Vincent’s de Paul charities.