KANSAS CITY, MO — Michelle Annette Starkey passed away on Sept. 1, 2013, and is now home with our Lord. She was brought into the world by Hilda Starkey on Sept. 30, 1968. Michelle grew up in the small town of Ellinwood, and graduated in 1986 from EHS. She was currently in the Nursing Program at Brown Mackie College. She resided in Kansas City, Mo.
Michelle, or Shelley as she was known to friends and family, left an empty void on this earth that can never be filled. She leaves behind many wonderful and loving memories, and made an impact on the lives of those that were blessed and privileged to have known and loved her. Shelley had a wonderful sense of humor, straight forward honesty, and a beautifully articulate way of expressing herself that always left many wondering what colorful but humorous statements she would come up with next. She was a beautiful and strong force, but with a heart that could not have been kinder and more caring and was always there for others when she felt they needed her. Shelley’s greatest love and sense of joy was her son Tanner, who passed away due to diabetes in 2009. She loved animals, and was actively involved in animal rescue transports. She was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on her favorite team, Notre Dame.
She is survived by her brothers Shawn Starkey of Kansas City, Mo., Jess Starkey of Hoisington; many beloved cousins and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her son Tanner E. Starkey, her mother Hilda Starkey, maternal grandparents George and Hilda Muriel Hoadley, and paternal grandparents Jesse and Doris Graybeal Starkey.
Shelley has left a legacy of strength, love, humor, intelligence, and so much more. She touched more lives and hearts than she ever knew, and she will be forever loved and missed.
A memorial is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, at 2:00 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with Pastor Mike Joiner officiating. There will be a celebration of Shelley’s life at the American Legion in Ellinwood at 7:00 p.m. following with the band  “Victims of Spotlight” performing free to support Juvenile Diabetes Research. Donations are suggested in her memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.


Funeral arrangements by
Bryant Funeral Home**
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Sept. 15, 2013