Dora L. "Dee" Starkey, 88, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2016.
She was born November 27, 1927 in Weir, Kansas, the daughter of Alfredo and Mary Floretta (Johnson) Romanzi. She was a graduate of Frontenac High School and attended Washburn University.
Dora was employed by Sears and Roebuck retiring after 25 years of service.
She was a member and Deacon, of Trinity Presbyterian Church, member and Past Matron of the Beulah Chapter No. 34 of O.E.S., Past Lady Superior of Ancient Toltec Rite and member of Rainbow Girls Advisory Board, all of Topeka.
Dora married J. Wayne Starkey on December 26, 1946 in Fort Scott, KS. He preceded her in death on January 4, 1998. She was also preceded in death by a son, Richard C. "Rick" Starkey on December 6, 2009. Survivors include five children, Joe (Darlene) Starkey, Alamogordo, N.M., Steve Starkey, Linda (Bernie) Trompeter, Jim (Sherlyn) Starkey and Jack Starkey, all of Topeka; eight grandchildren, Wendy M. Salyers, Stacey Lynn (Charlie) Merx, Travis Wayne (Kimberlee) Brandenburg, Jenny Lynn (Jimmy Nicholson) Brandenburg, Tara Janae Starkey, Trevor James Starkey, Tanner Cole Starkey and Timily Marlae Starkey; 10 great-grandchildren, Courtney Lynn Dawson, Alexis Salyers, Anthony Merx, Tamara Merx, Dylan Brandenburg, Dominic Brandenburg, Jeremy James Nicholson, Jace Glenn Nicholson, Taegen Starkey and Ashlyn Starkey; two great-great-grandchildren, Jessa Nicholson and Aiden Dawson.
Dora enjoyed reading, Civic Theater, gardening, football, basketball and traveling.
Cremation is planned. A celebration of life service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St., Topeka, Kansas, 66604-3592.
The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Private interment of cremated remains will be at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Presbyterian Church or American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka is assisting the family.
To leave a special message for Dee's family, please visit the guestbook below.