Bernice Bea Starks

Bernice Bea F. Starks, 95 of Kirksville passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 at The Pines in Kirksville.

The daughter of John Henry and Mary Ellen (Davis) Osborn, she was born March 20, 1928 in Adair County, Missouri. On February 9, 1946 in Kansas City, MO she married Ovel Helton and to this union two children were born, Rodney Glen and Pamela Sue. In June of 1989 she married Hershel Starks.

Bea is survived by her daughter, Pamela Sue (Kenneth) Lindsey of Novinger, MO; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Sara) Grgurich, Wes (Amy) Grgurich, Derek (Samantha) Grgurich and Teresa (Mike) Fitzgerald; twelve great grandchildren; a special niece, Charlotte Jackson, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands, Ovel and Hershel; one son, Rodney Helton; two step-daughters Thelma and husband Curtis Colvard and Doris  and husband Don Atchley, one grandson, Andrew Helton; seven brothers and sisters; one half sister and one half brother.

Bea attended rural school in Adair County. She was a bookkeeper for Ovel Helton Trucking and then worked for Hollister’s for 27 years until she retired.

She was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She enjoyed going to Musicals. She loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Memorials in memory of Bernice are suggested to NEMO Senior Citizens, Meals on Wheels Program.

Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.