CRISFIELD - Catherine Ruth Sterling, 88, of Crisfield, died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010, at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home in Crisfield. Born on Rhodes Point, Smith Island, Oct. 16, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Otis P. and Lydia Evans. Her husband of 59 years, William R. "Bill" Sterling preceded her in death Nov. 15, 1997. Mrs. Sterling was a life-long caregiver working more than 25 years as a nurse at McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield and, later, cared for patients in her own home for several years. She loved her work, and loved taking care of people. She was a very giving person. She was a member of the Crisfield Church of God where she was active in Golden Harvest and Women's Ministries. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Ernie Watson of Salisbury and Beverly and P.J. Purnell of Crisfield; four grandchildren, Cathy Love of Salisbury, Theresa Browne and husband Ted of Cary, N.C., Bill Purnell and wife Anne of Glydon, Md., and Kim Hudson and husband Todd of Salisbury; nine great-grandchildren, Kristin Love Hearne and husband David of Salisbury, Mary Love of Salisbury, Chase, Carson and Cole Browne of Cary, Elizabeth and Matthew Purnell of Glydon, and Connor and Kennedy Hudson of Salisbury; one great-great-grandchild, Noah Isaac Hearne; a nephew, Edward Bryan Holland and wife Linda of Pocomoke; and Kathy Marshall Guild of Virginia Beach, who was like a granddaughter to her. Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Russell E. Sterling on Oct. 26, 1968; her sister, Priscilla Evans Holland on May 28, 2010; and her niece, Christine Holland Smith on Aug. 21, 2009. Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield where friends called one hour prior. The Rev. LeBron Palmer officiated. Interment followed in Sunnyridge Memorial Park near Crisfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home Building Fund or Activities Fund, 201 Hall Highway, Crisfield, MD 21817. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.