JoAnn Starks

JoAnn Miller Starks, daughter of Glenn R. and Esther A. (Danford) Miller, was born November 23, 1935, at Strong City, Kansas. She was one of nine children born to the Miller family. She had been a McPherson resident since 1970, moving from Hillsboro.

On October 1, 1954, she was united in marriage to Howard Lee Starks at Strong City. To this union was born seven children. JoAnn thoroughly enjoyed the duties and responsibilities of motherhood and raised her children with all the loving kindness that a mother could give.

In her younger years, JoAnn worked as a waitress and cook at various restaurants. She later went into the nursing profession working as a Nurse's Aid for nine years in the Geriatric wing at Memorial Hospital, three years at Highland Manor Nursing Home, and for nine years at The Cedars Health Care Center before retiring.

JoAnn entered peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, January 19, 2003, at Hutchinson Hospital, following a lengthy illness. She was sixty-seven.

Survivors include: her husband, Howard of the home; a son, Douglas Starks of Marquette; five daughters, Carla Myers of McPherson, Rebecca Lund of McPherson, Cindy Crosby of McPherson, Candy Smith of Choctaw, OK, and Sandra Clements of Baytown, TX; four brothers, Paul Miller of Deville, LA, Keith Miller of Strong City, KS, Kenny Miller of Emporia, KS, and Bobby Gene Miller of Lorenzo, TX; a sister, Gladys Thompson of Cottonwood Falls, KS; 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Lee, a brother, Harold Dean Miller, two sisters, Betty Henderson and Glenda Mae Rickstrew, and her beloved parents, Glenn and Esther.

JoAnn will be remembered as a loving and caring person who was devoted to her work but always gave her family first priority. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many special memories were made over the years, and they will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 23, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in McPherson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday at Stockham Family Funeral Home, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to the JoAnn Starks memorial fund. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of JoAnn Starks please visit our Sympathy Store.