Lillian Sterbis

Obituary of Lillian Helen Sterbis Hancock Lillian H. "Ahola" Sterbis, 88, a resident of Hancock and former Twin Lakes resident, passed away Friday evening November 2, 2007, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock where she had been a resident patient for over the past 2 years. She was born on July 7, 1919, in Paavola, a daughter of the late Edward and Anna (Heikkinen) Pyykkonen. As a child, she moved with her family to the Chassell area where she attended the Paradise Schools and graduated from the Chassell School. She was united in marriage to Wilbert Ahola and he preceded her in death on April 6, 1963. On April 27, 1968 she was united in marriage to John Sterbis and he preceded her in death on June 14, 1986. Lillian had worked at the Stella Cheese Factory in Baltic, with her first husband at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and then as a cook at the Winona School. Lil was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock where she was active with the Quilters of the Church and Suomi Kerho. She also enjoyed bowling in her younger days. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husbands, her son James Ahola, and her brother Paul Pyykkonen. Surviving are: Her children: Carol (John) Henderson of Flagstaff and Scottsdale, AZ Jon (Carole) Ahola of Hancock Her daughter-in-law: Christine Ahola of Hancock Her Grandchildren: Connie Ahola, Kim Leinweber, Tracey Gray, Neil Ahola, Jon Ahola, and Janelle Schneider 7 Great Grandchildren Her sister: Ellen Marke of the Bluffs Senior Living Community Her foster sister: Dorothy Miller Several nieces, nephews, and cousins Funeral services for Lillian will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday November 7, 2007, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. Jimalee Jones to officiate. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock. Friends may call at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock on Tuesday November 6, 2007, from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of services. in lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy the family suggests that memorials be given to Finlandia University or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock. To view Lillian's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Lillian Sterbis, please visit Tribute Store