Sterling Jackson Ellison, 70, an 18-year resident of Oak Harbor, died at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon on Feb. 11, 2008, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Ellison was born Oct. 13, 1937, in Tarrant, Ala., to Joseph Ellison and Margaret Babba Ellison. He was raised in Tampa, Fla., where he graduated from high school. Following high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps, and served his country during the Vietnam conflict. On June 26, 1964, Sterling married Yoshiko Kabe in Tokyo. They lived in Cherry Point, N.C., Santa Ana, Calif., and moved to Oak Harbor in 1990.

Sterling retired from the Marine Corps in 1990 with the rank of gunnery sergeant (E-7). He attended the University of California at Fullerton, graduating with a BA degree in Gemology. Sterling worked as a gemologist for several years before failing eyesight forced him to leave his chosen avocation. He enjoyed the outdoors, and especially rock hunting.

Sterling is survived by his wife Yoshiko K. “Jeannie” Ellison at home in Oak Harbor; one sister, Margaret Trimbath and husband Blair of Las Vegas; also, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Joseph.

Recitation of the Rosary was held Feb. 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will be Saturday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m., with Father Philip Raether as celebrant. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Altar Society, P.O. Box 1443, Coupeville, WA 98239. Family and friends may sign the online guest register at www.whidbeymemo

rial.com. Arrangements by Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., Oak Harbor.