Paula Hart

STERLING – Paula S. Hart, 55, of Sterling, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, at her home.

Paula was born Feb. 3, 1956, in Sterling, the daughter of Robert G. and Carol P. (Donavon) Doering. She worked for many years as a travel agent for Sunny Travel and Twin City Travel. She later worked as a CNA, doing home care in the Sterling and Rock Falls areas.

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling. She loved animals and spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include one daughter, Tarah (Jeremy) Pyse of Prophetstown; one son, Ryan (Lisa) Mathews of Rock Falls; her father, Robert Doering of Rock Falls; seven grandchildren, Genea, Noah and Ethan Mathews, Taylor, Mason and Mathew Hinrichs, and Daniel “Woogie” Pyse; two brothers, Mark (Brenda) Doering and Segue Doering, both of Rock Falls; and a special friend, Braulio Sotelo of Sterling.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carole P. Payne; her stepmother, Betty Doering; her stepfather, Robert Payne; and one sister, Kimberly Doering.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Juan Ayala officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of friends and family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.

A memorial has been established.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.