Dorothy Grace (Marley) Stergar, 83, of Shelbyville since 1996 and a former resident of Fountaintown for 28 years, died on Nov. 5, 2015, at her home. She was born Sept. 9, 1932, in Indianapolis as the daughter of Fred C. and Nellie Mae (Smith) Marley, who preceded her in death.
She graduated from Warren Central High School in 1951. Dorothy married Edward Wilford Stergar on March 1, 1952, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 23, 2003, after 51 years of marriage.
Dorothy was a homemaker who had been employed as a key punch operator at Hygrade Packing Company and American United Life Insurance Company before retiring to raise her children.
Mrs. Stergar had recently joined St. Anthony Catholic Church after having been a longtime member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church prior to its closing in 2014. She was also a member of the American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ #52) and the Holy Trinity Women’s Altar Society. She had volunteered for many years in providing her parents and other elder family members with health care at home.
As a child and teenager, Dorothy loved horseback riding and roller skating. As an adult, she was a fan of Notre Dame football and Indiana University basketball. She also loved family vacations, having sleepovers with her grandchildren and playing euchre with friends and family.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Edward L. (Candy) Stergar of Indianapolis, Michael E. (Julie) Stergar of Lebanon and Susan M. (David) Sheets of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Edward L. Stergar, Jr., Christopher Clay, Alicia Chastain, Katherine Stergar, and Rebekah Stergar and one great- grandchild, Dylan South. She was the baby sister of brothers Walter, Joseph, and Floyd “Mike” Marley, who preceded her in death, and of Anna Mae Pride of Martinsville, Claude Marley of Frankfort, and John Marley of Greenfield. She is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews and by Matthew (Ellie) Lane, Megan (Deric) Roberts, Brenna Lane, Bailee Lane, Aida Jean Roberts, and Luca Roberts.
Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, with rosary at 4:30 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral Mass officiated by Father John McCaslin will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 337 N. Warman Avenue, Indianapolis, with viewing at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Indianapolis.
Memorial contributions may be sent directly to Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation – Hospice Care, 801 N. State St., Greenfield, IN 46140, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
