Daisy Elizabeth (Sunderland) Sterling, age 99, of Miles City passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City.
Daisy was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on September 15, 1920, the second of three children born to Harry Edward and Lena Grace (Phillips) Sunderland. She grew up on the family farm in Sonnette, Montana. Daisy attended grade school at the Mitchell School at Sonnette and high school at S. Labre in Ashland, graduating in 1937. Growing up farming and ranching gave her a deep appreciation for the beauty of the land, wildlife and the not so wildlife of the cattle horses, dogs and cats, which showed in her oil paintings. The bobcat that got stuck in the porch didn’t fare as well. But it made a great story in the paper and nice rug.
When she was 16, her older brother received a Mandolin as a gift. He wasn’t interested in it, so she taught herself to play and continued to play for the rest of her life.
On August 16, 1940, Daisy married her love, Donald Sterling. They took over running the ranch she grew up on, working side by side, harvesting, feeding, branding and whatever needed to be done. During Don’s deployment in WWII, Daisy was left to take care of the cattle with a baby. The story of wrapping up the baby in extra blankets and putting her on the sled while feeding the cattle in 3 feet of snow, and it was uphill both ways, didn’t vary throughout the years. Three girls were raised on the ranch before moving to Miles City in 1958. Where, (surprise) along came #4.
Daisy’s creative interests ultimately branched out. She taught herself to play the organ and guitar by ear. Other hobbies were leather tooling, stained glass, crocheting, knitting and quilting. If she wasn’t working on a project, you would find her in the garden. Apple, Crab Apple, Plum, Cherry and Choke Cherry trees would make wonderful jams and jellies. And, of course, pies were made every weekend. She also bowled three times a week. She received so many patches that she made them into a quilt.
Horses could be called a hobby. Daisy had an obsession. Especially when it came to her Appaloosas. When asked by the Assisted Living Facility what they could do to make her stay better, she told them, “Get some horses.”
After retiring in 1979. Don and Daisy bought a motor home and joined the Good Sam Club, Miles Milers, where they met some wonderful people and traveled to many wonderful places. Her favorite being the trip through Canada to Alaska.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Donna Jean and Mike, Linda and Mark, Vicki and Rand and Wendy & Doug, five grandchildren, Deon (Wanda), Michael (Ariana), Miranda, Jamie (Stephan) and Devin (Matt), two great grandsons, Colton and Pete, and dear family friend, Bud.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be set to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, donations may be made to Wake Up and Lace Up or Erin’s Hope Project. Cards can be sent to: Wendy Leidholt, 100 Prima Vista Dr., Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Jessie Leidholt says
Wendy and family, I was so sad to hear of the loss of your mom. She was such a pretty lady and so talented. I am glad that I had the luck to meet her so many years ago.
Barbara Beeler says
I will miss her very much. She was a wonderful spirit. I love the way she would sit and play the mandoline for me. She waa always humming a tune. I will miss her great smile and her sweet demeanor. To the family I am truly sorry for your loss. God has another angel.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
My sympathy to you all on the passing of Daisy. Don and Daisy were great friends with my parents Roy and LaVeta Irion. I remember going to your house to visit when
I was a kid when you lived close to where the motel is now at the edge of Miles City,
I am glad she had a long and full life. My prayers are with you all as you say good by.
B Dean Holmes says
I am so sorry. She lived a wonderfue long life. We will watch for the celebration of Daisy wonderul life and family.
Carol Schuetzle says
Wendy and family,
So sorry for your loss of your Mama.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carol and Warren Schuetzle
Bob and Rita George says
So sorry for your loss, will be praying for you and your family, I remember her calls to the office looking for Wendy, you were a very good Daughter.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Wendy: my prayers include your healing from the grief of loss, may you continue to remember to “good times” the great memories.
Pam Rogge says
My thoughts and prayers are with Daisy’s family at this time and in the days ahead. I always enjoyed my visits with her, quite a lady! Cherish your many memories!
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Derf Bergman says
Thoughts and prayers your way.
Melva Curnan says
I’m so sorry to hear of Daisys passing. I really enjoyed getting to know her she was a wonderful lady. I’m know mom was there to greet her with open arms. My prayers to you and your families.
PatriciaPhillips says
So sad to loose a family member . My prayers and thoughts with the family. Many stories to be remembered in 99 years of life. Blessings to all the friends and family.
Pat Phillips
Roberta Phair Schulz says
Daisy was always such a lovely soft-spoken woman just like her mother, Lena. My sympathies for your loss.
MIke & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
It’s so very hard to lose a mother and my thoughts are with you all in the loss of yours, Linda, Vicki and Wendy. My sincerest sympathy to all your families.
Shannon Holmen says
She was a delight. She and I loaded her old mare to a stud ( which never took) and we laughed and giggled the whole ride together. The MCC students adored her. What a blessed life.
Bob Ganno says
So sorry for your loss. i only met her once at the marriage of Frank Giordano and Vicki. i was Franks Room mate in the USAF. Sorry for your loss. Bob Ganno/ Boston Ma.