Iona Stern

Iona Mae (Buhrow) Stern, 86, of Sterling, died Tuesday morning, July 11, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her family. Iona was born January 1, 1931 in Coleta, the daughter of Edward and Lura (Martin) Buhrow. She married Lloyd Stern on November 26, 1948 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan. Iona was a homemaker most of her life and was later employed at GE in Morrison, retiring in 1989. She was a member of First Lutheran Church of Jordan, Women of the Moose, American Legion Auxiliary and Gem Club of GE. During her lifetime she enjoyed bowling, camping, traveling, snowmobiling, and raising chickens. She spent winters in Las Vegas and Florida, frequenting many flea markets and second hand stores. She loved spending time with family, especially grandkids and great-grandkids and always had her camera. She is survived by six children, Marsha Stern of Sterling, Gloria Ivey (Kelby Ottens) of Morrison, Ron (Betty) Stern of New Albany, MS, Sandra Stern, Pamela (Terry) Papoccia and Tammy (Derek) Stockdale, all of Sterling; ten grandchildren, Jason (Mandy) Cassens, Jaime (Scott) Milligan, Ryan (Sarah Jones) Marshall, Crystal (Arthur) Buzzard, Amber (Jason) Gullick, Sydnee (Alex) Hogue, Kendra (Cody) Gullick, Nellie (Jamison) Burke, Hannah Papoccia and Alex Stern; one step-grandson, Jason Malone of MS; twenty-four- great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd; one son, Randy; granddaughter, Brittany Ivey; two brothers, Elwyn and Merlyn Buhrow and special friend, Chuck Eller. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 14, 2017 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, Sterling with the Reverend Jamie Gallagher, of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established.