Doretta LaVerene (Hawkins) Starkey

Friday, June 1, 2012

Doretta LaVerene Starkey, 94, the daughter of Less and Emma Rue (Tivis) Hawkins was born May 4, 1918, in Tiffin, Mo., and passed from this life at 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Sac Osage Hospital in Osceola, Mo.

LaVerene attended school in Roscoe, Mo., graduating in 1935. On Sept. 19, 1937, she was united in marriage to Lester Edmond Starkey in the home of Ruby Wallen with the Rev. Kenneth Nichols officiating the nuptials. She and Edmond made their home on the farm just a few miles south of Schell City for the rest of their lives. LaVerene enjoyed the cattle, horses, and mules as she and Edmond built their lives together -- but she had a special place in her heart for the many dogs that they provided homes to through the years. LaVerene was more than a homemaker, she also worked full-time for more than 30 years at Key Industries in Nevada before retiring from there. She was also a faithful member of the Schell City Christian Church for more than 70 years where she could be found each Sunday studying and offering words of advice and encouragement. LaVerene's Christian life will be an example to all who knew her.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews, Jack Gray, Bill, Jim and Gene Starkey, Dorothy Lamb, Romanza Parr, Bonnie Stansberry, and Twila Wilds along with their families; a special great-nephew, Jim Carter, who was at LaVerene's side at the time of her death; other great-nieces and nephews, June's children, Michelle Gray, Sheila Brackenridge, and Robert Carter. Also of mention is LaVerene's Schell City Christian Church family who all considered her to be a grandmother, mother, and true friend to all. LaVerene was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John and Marvin Hawkins; two sisters, Vada Gray and Dimple Aulgur; and a niece, June Gray Carter.

Funeral services for Doretta LaVerene Starkey were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 1, at the Schell City Christian Church with the Revs. Paul Thorade and Howard McPeak officiating. Piano and organ music were provided by Winkie Smith and Sharon Goodman. Pallbearers were Jim Carter, Jim Starkey, Sam Vantellman, Ervin Goodman, Neal Gerster, and Jim Goodman. Serving as an honorary pallbearer was Russell Morerod. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City, Mo. Memorials are suggested to the Schell City Christian Church.

Arrangements for Mrs. Starkey were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City, Mo.