Bessie Sterner, 98, of Willey, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at her home.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Willey. The Celebrant will be Father Patrick Behm. Music will be by Barb Danner. Vern Greving will serve as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. The Gift Bearers are Shelby Schaefer, Kylesa Metheny and Elaina Metheny. Casket Bearers will be Todd Sterner, Christian Sterner, Sarah Sterner, Alicia Sterner, Holly Schaefer and Amanda Halbur. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, with a Rosary at 5 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held prior to the Mass on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. in St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Bessie’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Bessie Sterner, daughter of Manuel and Marina (Mesta) Garcia, was born on September 27, 1927, in Aguilar, Colorado. She attended and graduated high school from her hometown in Aguilar.
On September 26, 1953, Bessie was united in marriage with Robert Sterner at an Army chapel in Denver. The couple then moved to his family farm in Willey, Iowa, where she was a homemaker. Two children were born from this union.
Bessie enjoyed baking, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and taking care of her family. When given the chance, she would travel to visit loved ones. She especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bessie was preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Marina Garcia; her husband Robert Sterner; a son David Sterner; and by several brothers and sisters.
Bessie is survived by daughters Susan Chism and husband John of St. Cloud, Florida; her grandchildren: Todd Sterner, of Willey; Sarah Sterner of Willey; Alicia Sterner of Carroll; and Christian Sterner of Carroll; three great-grandchildren: Kylesa, Elaina and William; along with many other special relatives and friends.
