Kim (Casey)D.Christensen Starbuck

Kim (Casey) D. Christensen Starbuck, formerly of Topeka and Kansas City, KS, fought valiantly against the cancer that took her life at an early age, keeping a positive attitude throughout until it was not meant to be. She was surrounded by her family and friends as she began the journey from this earth on January 5, 2012, at Villa St. Joseph in Overland Park, Kansas.

She was born September 17, 1958, daughter of Darrell W. and June Walker Christensen at Alma, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her father in 2006. She is survived by her mother, June Christensen, Topeka; son, Bill Tudor (Miranda Williams), Grain Valley, MO; daughters, Michelle Tudor (Jeff Reiff), Topeka; Stephanie Tudor (Brian Wolf), Eudora; and Elizabeth "Betsy" Tudor (Travis Neihardt), Topeka. Surviving grandchildren are Garrett William, Karlie Renee, and Ethan Chase Stephens, Topeka; Caleb Ryan Bergquist, Topeka; Austin William and Emily Linn Tudor, Kansas City, KS, and Paige Isabella Tudor, Grain Valley, MO. Three grandchildren also preceded her in death; Ruby Leanne, Gabriel James, and Joshua Lee Tudor. She is also survived by her brother, Kevin (Cherre) Christensen, Jay, Matt, Amber, Ryan and Tyler, Kansas City, MO; sisters Lisa (Jim) Ray, Alex and Sydney, Chapel Hill, NC: and Lori (Bill) Gatchell, Jake and Jacy, Topeka; aunts, Ruth Inman, Agatha Walker, LaDonna Walker, Jean Christensen, Elma Christensen, and Arlene Kammerer; uncles, Roy and Don Christensen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her "grand-dogs," Bailey, Roxy, Natty, Lola, Molly, and Bennie.

She attended elementary schools and high school in Loomis, Axtell, and Minden, Nebraska, completing high school at Holton High School after the family moved there in 1973. She worked for Washburn Law School and a bank in Topeka and co-managed Forest Park United Methodist Church Camp for many years. She also worked for the Olathe Police Department, Dillon's, and other companies in Kansas City, most recently at Carefusion, and Home Depot.

She married Chester Roscoe Frear on February 14, 1976, in Silver Springs, Maryland. To this union two children were born: William Chester (Frear) Tudor and Michelle Dawn (Frear) Tudor. He died April 23, 1977. She and Stephen Tudor were married on January 20, 1979. To this union, two children were born: Stephanie Joy Tudor and Elizabeth "Betsy" Suzanne Tudor. They were divorced. She and Ronald R. Starbuck were married April 23, 1993 and later divorced.

She was a longtime member of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka and was involved in many of their programs while living in Topeka.

Her memory will remain with those left behind for her will to live and her gratitude to those who helped her along the way. Two people will have eyesight again, and many others will benefit and allow her to live on through her donations.


Casey will be cremated, and memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, January 9, 2012 at the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 SE Michigan, Topeka, KS 66605. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1315 S.W. Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604, Highland Park UMC., Friends of Forest Park, 3158 SE 10th St., Topeka, KS 66605 or Villa St. Joseph, 11901 Rosewood, Overland Park, KS 66209. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.