Shirley (Bamford) Starke

Coal Township – Shirley Starke, 96, of 409 Balsam Street, passed away in Naples, Florida on February 29, 2020 with her family by her side.

Born in Shamokin on February 8, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Melvin and Blanche (Price) Bamford. She graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 1941.

On June 28, 1947 in St. Edwards she married the late Robert Starke Sr. She was a member of Mother Cabrini Church.

Shirley was a thoughtful, generous person and a great friend. She was very active with my St. Edward church events. She also devoted her time to helping the Catholic Charity office in Shamokin. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, reading, and traveling to see her family. In recent years, she spent the winter months in Florida with family, relaxing and enjoying the sun and the beach.

Shirley was a life-long resident of Shamokin and was devoted to help in the raising of her younger siblings following the death of her mother. She will be greatly missed by her whole family.

Shirley is survived by four children, Susan Kelly and her husband, Jerry of Florida, Robert Starke, Jr and his wife, Suzanne of Coal Township, Alyce Dondero and her husband, Tony of Florida, and Mary Carole Starke and her partner, Dusty Nason of New York; five grandchildren, Robert A. Starke and his wife, Tammie of NC, Amy Rodarmel and her husband, Matt of Coal Township, Adam Dondero and his wife,  Katie of MD, Mara Anderson and her husband Michael of NJ, and Alyssa Dondero of Allentown; six great grandchildren, Lake Rodarmel, Hunter Rodarmel, Claire Dondero, Stella Anderson, Connor Ellis and his wife, Tedi, and Cory Ellis; a brother, Thomas Bamford and his wife, Jean of Shamokin; four sisters-in-law, Nancy Bamford, Doris Bamford, Marie Bamford, and Terri Bamford; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and two beloved pugs, Beef and Izzy. In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; a son, David Starke; three sisters, Betty Marie Bamford, Mildred Bamford, and Carol Eckman and her husband, Bob; and six brothers, Robert Bamford, John Bamford, William Bamford and his wife, Carol, David Bamford, James Bamford, and Daniel Bamford.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Shirley Starke, 96, of 409 Balsam Street, Coal Township – Due to the Coronavirus, funeral services for our mother have been postponed indefinitely. Arrangements are being cared for by Farrow-C.J. Lucas Funeral and Cremation Service, 240 W Chestnut Street, Shamokin, Lori Ann Campbell, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mother Cabrini, 214 North Shamokin Street, Shamokin, 17872. To send condolences to the family please visit www.farrowfh.com