Shirley S Starbuck

Shirley Stockwell Starbuck was born on 23 August 1920 and raised in Hillsboro, OH. The daughter of Hugh and Edna Stockwell, she graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1938, second in a class of 83 students; attended Stephens College for two years, graduating in 1940 with an Associate of Arts degree, and vice president of the senior class; and finished her college experience at Northwestern University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1942. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority at Northwestern.

Shirley married Charles Richard “Dick” Starbuck, Jr. from Wilmington, OH in December 1942 and lived most of her life in Hillsboro. Dick had joined the Navy following his graduation from Purdue University.

During World War II, Shirley also lived in New Orleans and San Francisco. Their first child, Judy, was born while Shirley was in San Francisco. Following the war, Shirley and Dick settled in Hillsboro, first living on Collins Avenue, and later moving to a new house at 117 Danville Pike.

In Hillsboro, Shirley formed seven Newcomers Clubs (two of these were in Greenfield) so all the people moving in would feel “at home.” She was a substitute teacher in all grades 1-12, Cub Scout leader, founded the Brownies, helped with Girl Scouts, taught at the Presbyterian Church nursery nine years, played the piano for Sunday School, led the choir, accompanied the youth choir, helped in our own furniture store for about 20 years, was in several bridge clubs, and fully enjoyed being a mother.

Following Dick’s retirement in 1973, they moved to the Bardmoor Estates community in Seminole, FL. For four years Shirley was in charge of all merchandise at the Bardmoor Country Club golf pro shop. For one year after that she was secretary at Horton’s Furniture Store, where Dick worked.

Shirley and Dick traveled extensively. They sailed on 14 ships, visited 69 countries or islands, and were in almost 50 states.

Shirley died on Saturday, 4 June 2011. She is survived by her four children, Judy Forman of The Woodlands, TX; Jill Byham of Raleigh, NC; Bob Starbuck of Holly Springs, NC; and Barbara Welch of The Woodlands, TX; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo at 9:30 AM on Saturday, 11 June. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. www.mossfeasterlargo.com