Page created by: Amy Botos

Donald "Ross" Sterling, age 69, passed away on Saturday, March 30th, 2024, in Omaha following his 20-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on September 19, 1954, to Donald and Lily VanLoon, Ross was later adopted by Lily’s second husband Richard “Dick” Sterling. Raised in Knoxville, Iowa, Ross discovered his passion for basketball, notably gaining attention for his talent in breaking backboards.

After high school, Ross served in the US Air Force before returning to Knoxville, where he met Susan Jo Borchert at the Fairlane Bowl in 1975. They were united in marriage on January 22, 1977. Ross and Sue spent their first years of marriage in Newton, Iowa, welcoming their oldest daughter Amy in 1978. After moving to Iowa City, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Abbey in 1982. Ross attended college at the University of Iowa, and in 1983 earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting. His professional career began at the VA Medical Center, taking his family across the country to West Virginia, Florida, and ultimately settling in Omaha, Nebraska in 1991.

Ross embraced life's joys, relishing fast cars, motorcycles, and the thrill of sports, particularly basketball, golf, and bowling. Known for his punctuality and meticulous car care, Ross exemplified dedication in every aspect of his life, as an incredible son, brother, husband, dad, and grandpa.

Those left to honor his memory include, beloved wife Sue Sterling, daughters Amy (Dan) Sterling Botos and Abbey (Ronnie) Sterling Mander, and six grandchildren - Cash, Maeve, Mara, Campbell, William, and Thomas. He leaves behind his sister, Vicki (Richard) Tonda and many other family members and friends. Ross was preceded in death by his parents Donald Van Loon, Dick and Lily Sterling and sister Gwen Jones.