Margie Nell Starustka

She was born in Houston, Texas on August 5, 1939 to Charles Daniel Reynolds and Lillie Pearl Bankead Reynolds. She was the youngest of two daughters. She graduated from Reagan High School in 1957. She started her career as a Private Secretary for the Geologist District at Amerada Petroleum Corporation.

Margie and her middle school sweetheart, Charles Robert Starustka married February 27, 1959. Together, they had three wonderful children, and she was blessed to be able to stay home to raise them in a loving household.

To continue to raise her children at home, she decided to open a childcare business. She opened her home to over 250 children throughout her 36 years as a full-time child caretaker. She had a passion for caring for children and enjoyed teaching them to read and write. She will be famously remembered for her delicious homemade lunches of macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, cinnamon toast, biscuits, and french fries.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Charles Starustka, and three wonderful children: Douglas Starustka, Meleesa Adams, husband Scott, and Melanie Justice. Margie was the proud “MawMaw” to 6 grandchildren: Baylie Adams, Madison Sandlin, husband Lane, Kaitlyn Brooks, husband Mason, Dylan Mocek, wife Caroline, Tristan Starustka, and Lauren Justice. She was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Felix Brooks and Walker Sandlin.

Margie and Charles were a prime example of true love, deeply devoted to each other for many years. They had many ways of displaying their love for another; whether it be Charles singing to her, holding hands daily, or Margie playing love songs on the piano while Charles watched in awe. Charles stood by her side every day until the very end, being a great caretaker, always admiring her beauty and kindness. Her children described her as a selfless, nurturing mother who always went above and beyond to give them a wonderful life.

Margie took pride in making her grandchildren feel special, making holidays magical with delicious desserts and fun activities and crafts. She was present for every event throughout their childhoods, even while battling esophageal and stomach cancer, which she proudly beat in 2009. You could always find Margie with her hair and makeup done, wearing sparkly clothing in her red Cadillac, with exquisite jewelry and mink coats. She loved to bake, play the piano, sew, garden and enjoyed fishing. Her delicious peach cobbler will be missed by all. Margie will be remembered for her kindness and nurturing spirit and lives on through many family and friends who will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in her name.