Martha Rae Rowe Starnes passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Carolina Rehab of Burke.
Martha was born January 1, 1931 in Catawba County to the late Edgar L. and Dillie Pearl Rowe. She was married to Wynn E. Starnes for 31 years until his passing in 1979. Martha was a member of West Hickory Baptist Church, having served in the past as a children’s Sunday school teacher.
Martha was the seventh of nine children. She was preceded in death by her five brothers; Everette, Maryland, Charlie, Winfred and Bobby Rowe and two sisters; Mildred Weisner and Margie Spencer.
Martha was retired from Belk Department Store after 33 years of service. She never met a stranger, enjoying working with her coworkers and customers. Her favorite activities were family trips to the beach, bus tours with cousins and friends, music, dancing and working out with the Silver Sneakers at Catawba Valley Medical Center Fitness Plus.
Left to cherish Martha’s memory and carry on her legacy are a daughter, Cindy Starnes Lutz and husband Mike of Lenoir and a son Tim W. Starnes and wife Janice of Hickory, a brother Joe Billy Rowe of Vale, three grandchildren; T. Joshua Starnes and fiancée Charlene Poblete of Jacksonville, Florida, Wesley T. White and wife Christy of Belmont, NC, Deanetta Bullins and special friend Mike Grandstaff Jr. of Hickory, first cousin Bleeka Hollar of Hickory, four great grandchildren and one great, great grand and a number of special nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 12pm at Catawba Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Ben Rowe officiating. Burial will follow in Catawba Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11am to 12pm.
Pall bearers will be nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Starnes family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
