Lela Jane Starkey

Lela Jane Starkey, 97, entered into her eternal home and saw the face of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, October 1, 2024. She gently passed from this world surrounded by her loved ones. She was looking forward to being with her family who had gone before her. Born August 3, 1927 in Kokomo, Indiana, she was the daughter of Garland B. and Florence M. (Griffey) Aldridge. Following high school, Lela worked at General Motors for over 35 years before retiring in 1985. She was a member of The First Assembly of God in Peru for many years where she served meals and called on visitors. She loved cooking for her family and others. She had a heart for those in need and was devoted to supporting others in various ways. She enjoyed floral arranging, painting, tending to her flowers, traveling, reading and singing for the Lord and spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching Christian programs as she loved the Lord with all of her heart and read her bible daily.

She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her husband of over 50 years, Herman Dale Starkey. In addition to Dale, she was preceded in death by spouses Virgil Hipes and Gene Miller, brothers Nolan Eugene and Leroy Wayne Aldridge, sisters Betty Evelyn Aldridge, Shirley Fivecoat and Patricia Ohse, son-in-law Michel Vaught, grandson Brad Bowley, grandson Trey Lee, and granddaughter Stacey Lockert, and along with many beloved friends and extended family members.

Leaving behind to cherish her memories are daughters Sharon (Darrell) Stiner, Lola Bowley, Lesa Starkey-Watkins and Janet Vaught and step-daughter Pam Artis. Survivors also include grandchildren Brian (Rebecca) Stiner, Rodney Stiner, Michelle (Robert) Slayman, Chad (Jamy) Bowley, Jama (Chad) Winger, Brandon (Andrhea) Starkey, Crystal (Michael) Keck, Ashley (Joey) Vaught, Shila (Kathryn) Vaught, Tessin (Samuel) Grant, Amanda (Bobby) Oneal, Sarah (Brent) Dodson, David Lee, and Tammy (Dale) Huff. Lela has 33 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren.

All who have known her will miss her in this world but honor and celebrate her long life and the glory she now experiences.

A visitation for Lela will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Lela will be laid to rest in Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, IN 46901-3190.