Joan L. Sterling, 94, of Brookston and formerly of Frankfort, passed away October 19, 2025 in her granddaughter’s home. She was born on August 27, 1931 in Frankfort to Grover Edward “Ted” and Mary Viola (Lineback) Behr. She married Robert Max Sterling on August 23, 1950 and he preceded her in death on October 18, 2012.
Joan was a 1949 graduate of Frankfort High School and worked at Aldens, Thrashers, CT’s, Walmart and in the office at Sterling Insurance. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. When her children were young, she enjoyed being past president of the PTA and Parent Advisory Council and a cub scout leader.
Surviving are her daughter: Jan (Nevin) Ewing of Frankfort, grandchildren: Stacie Lowe (Greg Spires) of Brookston who was also her caregiver, Nicki Ewing of Frankfort, Kristy Sterling Dixon of Florida, Cal Ewing of Frankfort, Dustin (Tia) Sterling of Sheridan, and Craig Cottrell of Indiana, along with several great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, a niece and three nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son: Ted Robert Sterling, daughter: Susan “Susie” Joan Cottrell, grandson: Jamie Sterling, and brother: Phillip Lineback Behr.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Joan’s Elara Caring Hospice team: Terris, Destiney, Chelsea, Anna, Kevin, and Chaplain Scott.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Bunnell Cemetery, Frankfort. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s honor to the First Church of the Nazarene, 2056 East Wabash Street, Frankfort, IN 46041 or the Clinton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 455, Frankfort, IN 46041. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a condolence.