Obituary of Lois Marguerite Starr

Lois Starr passed at the home of her son Rev William Starr in Las Vegas, Nevada early morning Tuesday July 27, 2010. Lois was almost 92 and had a full and active life until just a few weeks before she passed from natural causes. Lois Marguerite Starr was born August 7, 1918 as only child to Francis Ernest Welch and Jennie (De Board) Welch in Norris City, IL. She graduated from Norris City High School, where she played clarinet in the band and violin in the orchestra, was managing editor of the Cardinal, school newspaper, and played on the girls' basketball team. She received an AA degree from William Woods College in Fulton MO and a BA degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale IL. Lois taught elementary school at Carmi IL and was a Girl Scout leader for high school age girls. She married Dr. George H. Starr, JR in 1943 while he was in Dental School at St. Louis University and together they enjoyed 56 years of marriage. After George's graduation, Lois moved with her husband to his various WWII Navy assignments in Idaho and N. and S. California. Following WWII, George and Lois settled in Effingham, IL where Dr. Starr practiced dentistry for 40 years, and Lois was active as a civic leader. Lois was an ordained Elder of the Presbyterian Church and throughout life was active in phases of church life in teaching, singing in the choir and in women's world wide programs. She was a long time member of PEO and Eastern Star, was active in the hospital auxiliary and was Library Board Member for 18 years. Her favorite activities were reading, walking, dancing (both ballroom and square), golf, swimming and fishing. Some of the notable highlights of her life included driving by herself in 1941 from San Diego to Montana and home to Illinois, meeting Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt at a picnic in 1936, spending an afternoon in home of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Shepard, one of the nation's first astronauts, and a hug from George W. Bush during his first campaign for U.S. President. Dr. Starr retired from his dental practice in Effingham IL in 1986, and George and Lois moved to Sun City Center Florida where they enjoyed an active retirement. Lois continued participation in St Andrew Presbyterian Church, PEO and golfing. After Dr. George passed in 1999, Lois moved to Las Vegas NV in January 2002 to be with her son's family. In Las Vegas, Lois participated often in Unification Church activities where her son was pastor and also enjoyed bridge and reading. Lois is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and daughter Patricia. She is survived by her son William, daughter-in-law Susan, and five grandchildren--Jennie, Marlo, Pattie, Will and Joshua. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Fritz of Decatur and their children--Janet, Rich, Bob, and Randy. Lois also has many cousins, nieces and nephews. Daily visitations and prayer meetings will be in the Starr family home in Las Vegas NV until the Peaceful Ascension Service (Seung Hwa) in the Starr home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday July 31, 2010. Following the Peaceful Ascension Service in Las Vegas NV, Lois Starr will travel to Johnson Funeral home in Effingham, Illinois for open casket visitation and services. Interment will be at Oakridge Cemetery in the family plot next to husband George and daughter Pattie.