Waltraud “Wally” Sterling

Waltraud “Wally” Sterling of Tecumseh passed away Monday, May 17, 2010, at the age of 73 after a lengthy illness.  She was born Feb. 5, 1937, in Karben, Germany, the daughter of Joseph and Lina Stolz. On May 27, 1959, she married Robert L. Sterling Sr. and they moved to the United States in October 1960, where they lived in Clayton, Mich.

In 1970, they moved to Tecumseh, where Wally worked at Herrick Hospital and then Saline Hospital until she was disabled from an injury. Wally was a breast cancer survivor for the past three years. Wally was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and an Avon Representative for the past 38 years.

She is survived by her three sons, Robert Jr. of Tecumseh, Jimmy (Kathleen) of Dundee and Frank of Redford; a step-daughter, Brenda Saxton of Nashville, Mich.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;  four sisters, Rose Russell of Morristown, Tenn., Hedwig, Klara and Erika; and one brother, Arthur all of Germany.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; step-daughter, Diana Jones; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2010, at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh with the Rev. Ray Hansen officiating.  Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh.  Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2010, at  the funeral home.  

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.