Mary Beth Sterrett

Mary Beth Sterrett, 87, of Mexico, died at 12:20 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2010, at her home.

She was born May 10, 1923 in Hampton, Iowa, a daughter of Walter and Vera (Smith) Timmerman of Sheffield, Iowa.

Mary Beth graduated from Sheffield High School and from Iowa State Teachers College where she met her husband of 66 years, Ronald Lee Sterrett. She taught in Iowa while Ronald served in World War II where he received two purple hearts.

After Ronald returned from the war, he and Mary Beth began their family and Ronald s career. Mary Beth combined raising a family and substitute teaching. They lived in Des Moines, Iowa, Loves Park, Illinois Arlington Heights, Illinois and Mexico, Missouri. Throughout their 66 years of marriage Mary Beth volunteered with her husband in many community service groups and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe . They also were avid campers. She was a member of First Christian Church.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Betty Timmerman Welcher; and one niece, Mary Welcher.

Survivors include her husband, Ronald of the home; twin daughters Priscilla (David) Medley, Mexico, and Patricia (Harold) Clermont of Kirkwood, Missouri, and Karen (Robert) Armstrong of Independence, Mo.; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; one sister, Bonnie (Roger) Sloggett of Rockford, Ill., and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010, at First Christian Church in Mexico with Rev. David Nash officiating. The Family will receive friends following the service at the church. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2010, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Jacksonville, Mo.

The family suggests memorials be given to the First Christian Church of Mexico or the Audrain County Senior Nutrition Center. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.