Obituaries

Debra Sue (Curless) Starkey

April 14th, 1952 – July 3rd, 2014

"Jesus Loves Me" was softly being sung to Deby Starkey as heaven opened its door to welcome her peacefully home at 2:05 pm on July 3, 2014 in Vacaville, CA. Deby's final days were spent surrounded by family who cherished every moment of her 62 years on this earth.
Debra Sue (Curless) Starkey was born to Babs and Joe Curless on April 14, 1952 in Canton, IL. They preceded her in death, along with her beloved husband, Roger Starkey, father of Tracy, Michelle and Nicole who survive. She is also survived by her daughter, Rebecca Irwin, and three grandchildren, Tyler, Jessica and Alexis Irwin, of whom she was totally devoted. Deby found great happiness in very detail of their lives each and every day and possessed an uncurbed enthusiasm supporting their interests and activities.
Known unequivocally for her hard work ethic, you could find Deby at Babs Delta Diner for the past 22 years until she retired in September 2013. Those who knew Deby well, respected and admired her expertise as the manager of her mother's restaurant as she held every employee to a high standard of excellence teaching them responsibility, work ethic and the value of giving 100%. She was equally blessed to share those 22 years working alongside her cherished daughter and life-long best friend, Rebecca. Deby was so proud of Rebecca as a devoted daughter, dedicated mother and of the example she was setting for the grandkids that she could chat for hours to her extended family of Becca's accomplishments.
As much as she dedicated her daily life to keep her mother's dream alive at the "shop", nothing could compare to the love and generosity she shared with her grandchildren. All one had to do was attend a football game for quarterback Tyler, attend a dance recital or competition for Jessica, or sit in the bleachers at Lexie's softball game to know how enthused she became cheering on those grand babies and of course show an enormous pride being their grandma. They were definitely not only her pride and joy, but her one true love.
Deby was deeply loved by her brother Harley (and Kay) Curless, and sisters Linda (and Steve) Chase and Jan (and Norman) Jones, all who survive. She was an amazing aunt to Jessica, Lettie, D.J., Joe, Cara, Justin and Jenifer in addition to their children who all survive.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Deby's life at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, beginning at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America/Heartland Chapter, 4640 Shenandoah Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63311-3422.