Bertie "Lois" Starnes

Bertie “Lois” (Elliott) Starnes, 87, of Avondale, MO passed away May 30, 2020. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 11:00 AM, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM, at Solid Rock Bible Church, 2501 NE Parvin Rd., Kansas City, MO 64116. Burial will be Friday, June 5, 2020 at 12:00 PM in Louisburg Cemetery, Louisburg, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Solid Rock Bible Church.

Lois was born on April 18, 1933 in Urbana, MO to parents Alma and Gertie “Jewell” Elliott. She was one of six classmates of the 1951 graduating class of Windyville High School. During her working years, Lois worked as a Senior Clerk for Sears, Roebuck and Co. for almost 20 years before retiring. After retirement, Lois volunteered at North Kansas City Hospital and gave over 300 hours of her own time. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed accompanying her husband, Arlo, to watch his gospel band perform. She was a charter member of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church where she served as the church clerk until it closed in 2016. At the time of her passing she was a member of Solid Rock Bible Church.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sandra Battiest; infant son, Michael Battiest; brothers, Glenn Elliott, Bob Elliott, and Vernon Elliott; sister, Joanne Farris; and son-in-law, Rupe Klein.

She leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Arlo Starnes; son, Dane (Kathy) Battiest; daughters, Ginny Battiest, Darlene (Dave) Sherman, Lorraine Klein, and Karen Battiest; step-children, Gary (Becky) Starnes, Judy (Terry) Bowen, and Charlotte (Joe) Wooderson; brother, Roua (Kathy) Elliott; sisters, Joyce Swanigan, and Linda Sallee; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren to cherish her memory.