Mayleene B. (Sterling) Schwartz

Mayleene Beth (Sterling) Schwartz, 72, of Arkansas City peacefully passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Medicalodges Arkansas City, with family at her side.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home in Arkansas City.  The Reverend Charles Jennings will officiate. She will be buried at Hope Cemetery with her husband, Stanley Schwartz, following services. Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. Tuesday, March 19th at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City.

Mayleene was born in Minneapolis, KS, on June 10th, 1951, to Joanne (Adee) and Leonard Sterling.  She graduated in 1969 from Arkansas City High School. Following graduation, she married Stanley Schwartz on December 25th, 1970. They had four children, Janis, Barrett, Jason, and Brian.

Along with being a loving wife and mother, Mayleene had many interests. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking and crafting. Mayleene also had a competitive side, she enjoyed a good card or board game, and loved sports. Growing up, she played recreation league softball every summer. As an adult, she was part of a bowling league in Arkansas City. When her children were old enough for organized sports, Mayleene became a volunteer youth soccer coach and continued to coach for at least 12 years. When it came to watching sports, Mayleene was an enthusiastic spectator who was spotted at almost every one of her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s games. Mayleene stayed active well after her kids were grown, playing volleyball and softball every year until she turned 65 and “retired.” Mayleene had a love of music. In high school she played bass clarinet, sang in the choir, and was in operetta productions. Later in life, she sang in church choirs and eventually with the Arkansas City Senior Center choir. She was a regular attendee of Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS. Mayleene was a very active member of the church and volunteered countless hours with the First American Baptist Church. She was passionate about sharing God’s love and she went on several mission trips to Mexico and Alaska.

Mayleene never turned down the opportunity for adventure. She had a drive and desire to explore her hobbies and interests while also trying new things. Mayleene was always striving to not “let the grass grow under her feet.”  Mayleene’s life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, the lives she touched, and the love she shared. Her presence will be deeply missed.

Her surviving family includes; Janis E. Shaw of Arkansas City, Barrett A. Schwartz of Arkansas City, Jason A. Schwartz and wife Josi of Geuda Springs, Brian E. Schwartz and wife Jennifer of O’Fallon, MO; her sisters, Cindy Sterling, Kathy Rush, Roberta Steventon, and Lisa Pizzuto; her brothers, Ed and Scott Sterling; her 12 grandchildren, Geoffrey Schwartz, Krista Cohrs, Brogan Schwartz, Mason Schwartz, Rylynn Schwartz, Brilee Schwartz, Bryson (Schwartz) Bohannon, Jarrett Schwartz, Austin Schwartz, Brecken Schwartz, Emma Schwartz, and Korbin Schwartz and 6 great-grandchildren, Ivy, Blaze, Piper, Dantè, Axle and Bentley. Preceded in death by her parents and husband. 

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