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Elsie Etta Starks, age 74, of Mendon, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at her home.
She was born on September 25, 1950 in Queens, W.Va., the daughter of Raymond and Martha Geneva (Hornick) Herron.
Elsie graduated from Green Bank High School in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Elsie moved to Michigan to be with her love and on September 20, 1969, she married Raymond Starks. They enjoyed being together, whether that was fishing, softball, playing cards, bowling league, hunting, golfing, or just spending time sitting together.
Elsie was a hard-working woman who was very proud to support her family any way possible. She worked at Denton Mills, at the Mendon library, machining at G&H Industries, office administration and machining operations for C&H and most recently as Direct Care Staff at Woodlands Behavioral Health for Cass County Mental Health over a dozen years. No matter what the work required, she would adjust her schedule to be at kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events or school activities.
Elsie enjoyed fishing, making arts and crafts, playing cards, and gambling at the casino.
Elsie loved fiercely and enjoyed making memories with her family and friends. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband of 56 years, Raymond Starks; 2 daughters, Shannon L. Starks (Christopher Grinage) and Jennifer F. McWilliams (Paul); 7 grandchildren, Kody Mathews (Casondra), Logan Mathews (Sabrina), Kaden Miller, MaKayla Munn (Fabyan), Courteney Munn (Quinton), Kennedy McWilliams, Addison McWilliams; 2 great-grandchildren, Henry Mathews and Drew Mathews; 7 siblings, Charles Herron, Judy Wolford, Don Herron, Dorris Markko, Betty Eltringham (Don), Roger Herron (Lynn), Faye Straub and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Ronnie and Patty Herron.
Her family will receive friends Tuesday, August 19, 2025 beginning at 1:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A private celebration of life will follow at 3:00 at the funeral home, with Max Wolford officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Elsie’s memory may be directed to Donate Life https://donatelife.net/. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
