Janice Sue Sterling

Funeral Services for Janice Sue Sterling will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Hardtner United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Fillmore, officiating. Burial will follow at Hardtner Cemetery in Hardtner, Kansas. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 PM, Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Funeral Home. Service under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home. Janice Sue Sterling, daughter of the late Ralph and Bernice (Benson) Wiley, was born November 19, 1930 in El Dorado, Kansas, and passed away January 3, 2025 in Alva, Oklahoma at the age of 94 years, 1 month, and 15 days. Sue grew up in El Dorado, Kansas and graduated from El Dorado High. During her high school years she enjoyed working in her parents’ shoe store. She then obtained her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. While there she met Robert E. Sterling, whom she married on April 27, 1952. Sue and Bob lived in Germany for two years due to his deployment there during the Korean conflict. She enjoyed living there and getting to travel around Europe. They returned from Germany to the family farm north of Hardtner. There they raised their three children, Steven Edward, Sydney Sue, and Samuel Benson. Sue was a hard working farm wife while the children were small, always preparing three meals a day not only for her own family but also for the farm crew. She raised chickens, saving her egg money for groceries and special purchases. Sue was a wonderful cook and made the best fried chicken and gravy! When Bob bought the Kiowa Sale Barn in 1968 Sue managed the office and the Pavilion Inn Café. They eventually built the Ranch House Restaurant and Sterling Western Wear. Sue was an influential mentor sometimes second mom to many of her employees. She was always willing to listen and to help. Bob and Sue sold their Kiowa businesses and opened Yur Place Café and Sterling’s Barn in Hardtner. Their daughter, Syd, took over Yur Place when they retired. Sue was a 4-H leader, a member of Barber Co. Cowbells, Methodist Women and a board member and advocate for Borderline Theatre. She loved singing, musicals, watching movies, reading, and most importantly, her family. Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert E. Sterling, her parents, Ralph and Bernice Wiley, sister, Margaret Stafford, and brother, Mick Wiley. She is survived by her children, Steve and wife Joni, Sydney, Sam and wife Shannon; 8 grandchildren, Darbi Hinde and husband Daniel of Alva, Oklahoma, Justine Converse and husband Chris of Dallas, Texas, Kena and Konli Sterling of Pratt, Kansas, Brandt and husband Austin of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Austin and wife Sarah of Golden, Colorado, Jordan of New York City, New York, Chance and wife Holly of Denver, Colorado, Cash of Arlington, Virginia, and Cayde of Kansas City, Kansas; two step grandchildren, Garret Smith and wife Layne of Great Bend, Kansas and Adison Welsch of Pratt, Kansas; 12 great grandchildren, Sawyer and Lincoln Hinde, Savannah, Sage, and Silvee Sterling, Kate, Jack, Charlie, and Harrison Converse, Saylor, and Kannon Smith, Waylen Morgan; many nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Kiowa General Store or Beadles Activity Fund.

Janice Sue Sterling

November 19, 1930 - January 3, 2025