Obituary of Marjorie Irene Starkey

Of Akron, age 87, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Heritage Hill Assisted Living. Marjorie was born April 23, 1923 in Akron Township, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dorus and Ethel (Beatenhead) Hover. Marjorie graduated from Akron High School in 1941 and went on to attend college in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She and John Francis AaA"JakeAaA Starkey were united in marriage in Alexandria, Louisiana on August 2, 1941. He predeceased her July 28, 1988. She was a lifelong resident of Akron, Michigan. Farming became part of her life as a child with her father, and she continued farming alongside of her husband. Marjorie loved gardening, especially her irises and peonies. She was a life member of the American Iris Society, as well as a member of various other iris associations including the Aril Society International, the Society for Louisiana Irises, Spuria Iris Society, the Society for Japanese Irises, the Society for Siberian Irises, and the Florida Iris Society, where she served as president for twelve years. Marjorie also served on a committee for the American Iris SocietyAaas National Convention, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia in 1992. She began iris judgesAaa training in 1973 and achieved the highest level, becoming a Master Iris Judge in 1988. She was a lifetime member of Akron United Methodist Church, and a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Fairgrove. Marjorie leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Linda Karl, daughter-in-law, Patricia Starkey, six grandchildren, Betty Bouchard-Schmidt and husband Dennis Schmidt, Kevin and wife Robbin Bouchard, Adam and wife Theresa Bouchard, Melissa and husband Dane Couture, Julie Starkey and fiance Jerry Hoefling, and Michael Starkey, great-grandchildren, Tyler and Jonathan Bouchard, Jacob, Cye and Alex Bouchard, and Thomas Couture, sister, Deloris Trisch, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John Francis Starkey, and son, Thomas Starkey. The funeral service will take place, 11:00am, Monday, January 24, 2011 at the Akron United Methodist Church. Pastor Patrick Robbins will officiate with burial to follow in Demorest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Martin Funeral Home in Fairgrove on Sunday from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. On Monday, Marjorie will be taken to church where she will lie in state from 10:00am until time of service at 11:00am. Marjorie spent her lifetime enjoying her beautiful flower gardens, so it was her request that in place of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Saginaw Rescue Mission, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, or Charity of Choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.