Betty J. Phelps-Sterling

Mrs. Betty J. Phelps-Sterling, age 78, of Mohawk, an Ilion native, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Wynn Hospital, Utica with the love and support of her husband, Lee "Peanut" Sterling and family by her side.

She was born on May 11, 1946, in Ilion, daughter of the late William and Emily (Ward) VanSickle and educated in Ilion schools. Betty was united in marriage with Charles "Spike" Phelps on February 10, 1966. Mr. Phelps passed away in December of 1996. On June 23, 2001, she was joined in marriage with Lee “Peanut” Sterling, enjoying a loving union of 23 years. She was last employed with Oneida National Bank, Ilion as a teller.

Mrs. Phelps-Sterling’s most treasured moments were spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, and attending their games. Betty was one of those women who could be most humbly proud of all her achievements and always proudly supported our local veterans. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. The love Betty had for her husband, children and grandchildren and the watchful eye she kept over her extended family knew no bounds. She was so special to so many people and will be sadly missed by all who will carry on her legacy.

She leaves her husband Lee “Peanut” at home; two daughters, Patti Sohns and husband Daniel and Julie Proctor; her grandchildren, David and Cyndi Proctor and Sarah Sohns and Dylan Lamb; great grandchildren, Aliyah Proctor, Gracie Christmann, Adryanna Proctor, Lily Lamb and Paislee Lamb; brother and sister in law, Ed and Barb VanSickle; sister and brother in law, Karen and John Konik; in laws, Ozzy Sterling and wife Mary, Donnie Sterling and wife Patti, Jack Sterling and wife Mary Jane, Dave Pettengill, Penny and Claude Nealon, Debbie Sterling, Sherry Sterling and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law William VanSickle, Jr, and wife Mary Lou, sister, Linda Burton and her husband Clyde, in laws, Jerry Sterling, Ronnie Sterling, Katie Trask, Dorothy and Bill Hotaling, Christine Champion, Geraldine "Cheeko" Pettengill and by her fur babies, Copper, Brutus, Bear and CJ.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Mary Sterling for being our rock and never hesitating to explain what was happening or tell us what we needed to hear no matter how many times and how many different people you were asked to speak with. And for making sure we were taken care of. Betty (Mom) loved you and was blessed to have you fight for her and to call you her friend.

Mrs. Phelps-Sterling's cremation arrangements are being handled by Daniel J. Enea-Director of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131. There are no calling hours. A celebration of life will take place at a later date with burial to take place in North Columbia Cemetery. Donations in Betty's memory may be sent to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Route 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407 or to the American Heart Association, 125 Business Park Dr., #110, Utica, NY 13501 to support the Heart Run and Walk event.