Pearl Frances Starkey

Pearl Frances Starkey, 89, of Danville died Sunday, May 1st 2011 at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville, where she was recovering from a fall at the home of her son; Dennis, with whom she had lived for nearly five years, following the death of her husband. Pearl was born on March 30, 1922, the third child of four born to Marshall and Daisy White on a farm in West Lebanon, IN, and the last of the siblings to survive. Pearl spent her whole life both as a child, and then as a young bride to Charles Starkey on the Warren County Farm until his death in 2006. Pearl and Charles had three children, Connie Starkey who died in 1943 as a child, Mary Ann Jackson who died in January 2011, and Dennis (Pam) Starkey, who survives of Danville. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Rob (Gayle) Starkey of Westfield, IN, Jody (Cathy) Starkey of Chatam, IL, Kelly (Joe) Dennison of Dixon, IL, Stacy (Susan) Jackson of Parksville, NY, and Mike (Kari) Jameson of Danville. Ten great-grandchildren also survive. Mary Reffett and Raya Billingsly were tender and loving caregivers who watched over Pearl for the past few years. Pearl was a farm wife and homemaker, whose greatest pleasures came from caring for her family. She enjoyed raising vegetables, canning, and freezing them, especially her specialty tomato juice. After retirement, Charley and Pearl spent long winters at Lake Ocochobee, Florida, where they formed many new relationships that they nurtured. They both enjoyed playing cards, golfing, fishing, and dancing together several times a week. They always maintained their Warren County roots, returning each spring to local family and friends that they loved. A Celebration of Pearls Life will be held Saturday, May 7, 2011, beginning at 12:00pm EST, at the West Lebanon Christian Church located at 201 S. Clinton St. West Lebanon, IN. Bruce Thornsbrough and Jay Sorrell have been asked to officiate. Burial will follow in the family plot at West Lebanon, IN Cemetery. Friends and family will be greeted at Sunsets Life Celebration Home, located at 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 4-7pm CST. Memorials can be made to any of Pearls favorites; The Key Club, Adult Day Care, West Lebanon Christian Church (WLCC), or the Vineyard Church, Danville Campus. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com