Genevieve Starkey

Genevieve Ella Starkey, 94, of Berrien Springs formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, May 23, 2011 at her home. A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Pioneer Memorial Church, on the campus of Andrews University, 8655 University Blvd., Berrien Springs with Dr. Richard Lesher officiating. Cremation has taken place. Friends may call Monday from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gen Starkey Volunteer Scholarship, Hospice at Home, or Your Story Hour (a Christian radio ministry for children). Those wishing to sign Genevieve's guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Genevieve was born on March 18, 1917 in Wisconsin to Laurence and Bessie Edgecomb. On November 27, 1937 she married Murl Thomas Starkey in Madison, Wisconsin. She worked at Lakeland HealthCare for 38 years, where she organized and then served as the Director of Volunteers. After retiring Genevieve established volunteer programs for Ruth Murdoch Elementary School and Pioneer Memorial Church. She was known for her generous spirit, and her unique way of making each person feel like an important part of her family. Genevieve is survived by her loving husband Tom Starkey of 73 years, daughter Joan Banks of Berrien Springs, Barbara (James) Martz of Berrien Springs; grandchildren, Kendra (Jay) Perry of Shakopee, MN, Lauralea Banks of Highland Falls, NY, Jason (Holly) Martz of Nashville, TN, Amanda (Cory) Reeves of Calhoun, GA, great grandchildren; Meliah, Makenzie, and Carson Martz, Noah and Jacob Reeves, and Nathaniel Perry; nephew S. Charles (Esther) Jones; grandnephew Charles E. Jones; grandniece Gerilyn Jones. In addition to her parents, Genevieve is preceded in death by her sisters Dorothy Boettcher and Geraldine Jones.