Merle R. Sterling

Merle R. Sterling went to be with his Lord and family on October 30th, 2026. Merle and his late twin sister, Pearl were born to their parents, the late Arlene (Trafton Bunker) and Ralph Sterling, on June 28th, 1939. Merle and Pearl, who did not survive infancy, were one of two sets of twins within the couple's 15 children.

Merle married Barbara Gere in June 1962 and together they had four daughters, Rebecca

(Jones), Bonnie(Ireland), Diana(Weaver),and Dawn(Dougherty). He supported his family by working various jobs on farms and in manufacturing before discovering a talent for installing carpet and flooring at Kaufer’s Appliance. Later he would open his own store, Merle’s Flooring in downtown Albion, where he proudly served the area for over 35 years.

After he and Barb divorced, Merle found love again with Ruth (Stevens Ryan) and married her on December 10th, 1981 gaining 4 stepsons, Michael, Jeff, Adam, and Steven Ryan. This year would have marked Merle and Ruth’s 45th year of marriage. Together they shared a passion for making things and building whatever they could dream up, with the help of Merle’s beloved John Deere. Whether it was mowing the lawn, giving rides on the lawn tractor for fun to their many grandchildren, or cheering on competitors at the Albion Fair, Merle was always team green. Friends and neighbors knew they could always come to Merle for help whenever the need arose, as long as they didn’t mind his witty quips and loving jibes as well. There was nothing he loved more than making people laugh and feel included. He was a hoot at times.

Besides his parents and twin sister, Merle was preceded in death by his siblings Norman, Florence, Barbara (Andrews), Joyce (Brown), Gail, Shirley (Hale), Virginia (Skurnogg), Edwin, Alvin, and Janice (Shaw). He was also preceded in death by his stepson, Michael E. Ryan, daughter in law Gale (Patterson) Ryan, son in law Rick Ireland, and many nieces and nephews.

Merle will be missed by his wife, Ruth, his sisters Jean Lehman, Phyllis Boyle, Darlene Munshower, his daughters Rebecca Jones, Bonnie Ireland, Diana (Allen) Weaver, Dawn (Jim) Dougherty, his stepsons Jeff Ryan, Adam (Susan) Ryan, Steven Ryan, and dear friend Richard Shiley. Merle is also survived by his many, many nieces and nephews, and all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held at The Albion Nazarene Church, located at 9578 Route 6N West in Albion, PA, on Saturday, November 7th from 2PM-4PM with services beginning at 4PM with Randy Hites officiating.