LuAudrey Starnes

LuAudrey Starnes was born and raised in Marshall, Texas, on Dec. 6, 1922. While growing up in Marshall, Texas, LuAudrey attended Hillside Elementary School and Pemberton High School. She arrived in Portland in 1945 to assist her sister with a difficult pregnancy. After the birth of her niece, LuAudrey decided to make Portland her home.

Her family members are proud of LuAudrey’s contributions to her community, where she and her late husband, John Iven Starnes, lived for many years. Together they fostered children for 30 years. When her husband passed, LuAudrey continued to foster children for an additional eight years. At one point in time, LuAudrey’s home was the longest operative foster home in the state of Oregon, and for that accomplishment the state issued a commemorative certificate honoring her for the service she provided for many of Oregon’s children in need. The certificate was signed by the Governor of the state of Oregon.

In 2008, LuAudrey was nominated and voted to be the Grand Marshal of St. Johns’ Parade, which is held in her community annually. Several of LuAudrey’s children returned with their families to share in this special occasion.

When LuAudery was asked what one of her proudest moments, she replied, “There was one child I had been a foster mother for just over two years when she was adopted out of the system. The new adopted mother looked and looked until she found me and said, “I knew I had to bring her back to see you. She has never stopped asking for her Mother.” The Mother and child continued to stay in contact with LuAudrey.

LuAudrey is survived by her children, Joyce Starnes Jenkins of Portland, Oregon. Jan Starnes of Portland, Oregon. Ron Casciato of Portland Oregon. Lysette Myrick- (Bill) Cox of Overland Park, Kansas. Grandchildren, Sara Starnes, Connor Myrick-Cox, Reid Myrick-Cox and Aislin Myrick-Cox. LuAudrey was predeceased by Ka-Tasha Jenkins.

The family is grateful to Porthaven Care Center for the loving care they provided to LuAudrey in her final years.