William Cliff Starkey

William “Cliff” Starkey of Fairview Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 12, 2026, at the age of 94. He was born on June 29, 1931, in Marquand, Missouri, to Lige and Irene (Baker) Starkey.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Ruth Arlene Starkey (Ramsey); his children: Sherry (Roger) Williams, William David (Melinda) Starkey, and Donna (Mike) Nesbit; grandchildren: Nicole Ramer, William Brandon (Dima) Rousseau, Jennifer Nesbit, Cheryl (Mandy) Black, Monica Holder Griggs, and David Lee Holder; great-grandchildren: Lucas Attwood, Ian Hodgkins, Ellie Willard, Chase McDaniel, Ashley Griggs, Brittany Griggs, Davin Holder and Kaylee Holder; and one great-great-grandchild, Cynthia Jordan.

He was preceded in death by his daughters, Patricia Scott and Deborah Starkey; and siblings Bobby Starkey, Morris Starkey, Fern Gromer, Jenny Kempfer, Janis Haas, and Bill Dempsey, Jr.

On January 20, 1951, at 19 years old, Cliff married Arlene in Piggott, Arkansas. Together, they shared 75 years of marriage. He retired from Cerro Copper in Sauget, Illinois, where he worked in maintenance for many years. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Fairview Fire Department celebrating 30 years. He and Arlene were members of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Belleville.

Cliff enjoyed woodworking—building a cabin at Goose Creek, Missouri—and was known for his skill as a handyman. He loved tending his vegetable garden, had an interest in Indian motorcycles and small single-engine aircraft, and cherished RV travels with his wife. Their family also spent time boating and camping together.

Cliff will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family and community.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Heartland Hospice in his honor. https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html

Arrangements are under the care of Lakeview Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at Stonewolf Golf Club, 1195 Stonewolf Trail, Fairview Heights, IL on Friday, March 6, from 4 – 7 pm.