Obituary of Barbara Starkey

Barbara Melear Starkey, age 73; loving wife, mother, and grandmother, succumbed to an extended illness and passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Sunday, April 25th, 2010.

She had lived in the Sandpiper Bay community of Port St. Lucie for the past eight years; having relocated from her hometown of Boynton Beach, Florida in 2002.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of thirty-six years, Robert Starkey of Port St. Lucie, FL; son, Randall Marsh (Tammy) of Sewalls Point, FL; daughters, Loraine Martin (Gary) of Athens, Tennessee and Ellen Fortun of Port St. Lucie, Florida; step-sons, Robert Starkey, Jr. (Cindy) of Dublin, California and Earle Starkey (Linda) of Stuart, Florida; step-daughters, Susan Baltrus of Huntington Station, New York and Beth Davies (Chris) of Stuart, Florida; as well as fourteen grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved brother, John Melear (Ranny) of Boynton Beach, Florida as well as two nephews and one niece.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Martin W. (Bill) Melear, and Frances Covington Melear of Boynton Beach, as well as a host of other treasured members of the Melear and Covington families.

Barbara spent her entire life in the study and practice of the Christian faith which most recently included her membership in, and worship at the Open Door Apostolic Church in Port St. Lucie.

Barbara's family wishes to convey their most heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful folks from the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), whose compassionate and talented staff loyally served the entire family over the past two years; as well as to the Treasure Coast Hospice, who were so instrumental in providing for around the clock comfort and care during Barbara's time of greatest need. Both of these organizations made a tremendous difference in the lives of the entire family. Charitable contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to either organization in Barbara's memory: Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997, Visiting Nurses Association, 2400 SE Monterey Road, Suite 300, Stuart, FL 34996

Visitation and family sharing will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 1:00PM - 3:00PM, with Services at 3:00 PM at Forest Hills Funeral Homes-Palm City Chapel, 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, FL 34990. 772-287-8484. Reception will immediately follow services. A private internment service will be held for immediate family on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Rolling Oaks Cemetery in Port St. Lucie. A guest registry may be signed at www.foresthillspalmcityflorida.com.