After a life of love and quiet grace, Dorothy "Liz" Starkey, 70, of Liberal, KS has passed.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew her best.
The story begins in 1955, in Glenville West Virginia, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
There are losses that teach us the weight of a life.
Dorothy "Liz" Starkey, age 70, died on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Texas Specialty Hospital in Amarillo, Texas.She was born on October 17, 1955, in Glenville West Virginia, to Oren and Dortha Gillespie Hess.Liz graduated high school and went on to serve in the Army working as an Army nurse at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, where she met Michael Logan Starkey. They married on June 21, 1975, in Denver, Colorado. Michael preceded her in death on October 1, 2021.Liz was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker who prioritized her family.Her kindness and dedication left a lasting mark on everyone she met, and her absence will be deeply felt by all whose lives she touched.Liz cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. She also had a deep compassion for all animals and loved family camping trips, especially sharing stories around the campfire. Liz was an avid reader. Riding motorcycles with Michael gave her a sense of adventure. Liz's legacy lives on through the joyful moments she created and the love she gave so freely.She is survived by two sons, Christopher Logan Starkey, and wife, Lindsay Starkey, of Liberal, Kansas,James Samuel Starkey, and wife, Cassie Starkey, also of Liberal, Kansas,Grandchildren, Shanna Starkey, Zoey Starkey, Peyton McDaniel, Everlee Colter, Clara Starkey, and Harley StarkeyShe is preceded in death by her parents, Oren and Doretha Hess.husband, Michael Starkey,brother, Orlen Glenn Hess,Brother-in law, Edward Starkey, andSister-in-law, Mildred Jones.Memorial Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, W. 10th Street, Liberal, Kansas. Jack Cooley will be officiating.Memorial contributions are suggested to Angels for Animals or Liberal Animal Shelter in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com
