SEBRING, Fla. — Astrid I. Sinkler, age 95, of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2012, at her home.
Born June 11, 1917, in Mass City, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Julius and Minnie (Saarinen) Lukkarila. On Jan 9, 1946, she married Gerald D. Sinkler.
Astrid was a homemaker and prayer champion of many.
She was a Crisis Line Volunteer in Boca Raton, Fla., and a previous member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Geneva. Astrid was brought up in Bethany Lutheran Church in Ashtabula, where both her uncle and cousin were previous pastors. Her father, Julius, was one of the founding fathers of Camp Luther and when he retired became a year-round caretaker of the camp where our family enjoyed many wonderful times.
Her hobbies included daily religious studies, attending Christian retreats, and sharing Gods word. She was a terrific cook and enjoyed collecting cook books. Astrid studied world affairs and politics and was proud of her conservative beliefs. She was a life-long learner and encouraged those around her to improve themselves in all ways and to grow in character.
Survivors include her daughter, Devon Newkirk of Sebring, Fla.; her son, Scot “Skip” Sinkler of Jefferson; three grandchildren, Kelly Newkirk (David) Lunneberg, Kent and Kyle Sinkler; great-grandson, Karl Lunneberg; sisters, Ruth Knudson of Alpharetta, Ga., and Doris Norris of Knoxville, Tenn.; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
She was preceded by her husband, Gerald D. in 2009; her infant child, Sharon; her parents; sister, Christine DiBell; and brothers, Wesley, Rolf and Carl Lukkarila.
A Private Graveside Service will be held for both Gerald and Astrid with the Rev. Fred Grimm, of Jefferson St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, officiating. No calling hours will be observed. Interment for both will be at Ridgeview Cemetery, Ashtabula Township.
Contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004; Ashtabula Art Center, 2928 W. 15th St., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004; or Salvation Army, 4631 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.
Arrangements were handled by WALKER FUNERAL HOME, 828 Sherman St., Geneva, Ohio. Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
