Catherine Jean Stark

Catherine Jean “Cathy” Stark (61), completed her earthly journey on Thursday, February 16th, 2023, at Methodist Hospice Residence in Memphis, TN. She did her absolute utmost to beat duodenal cancer in the last year of her life. Cathy lived life to the fullest every step of the way.

Born January 27, 1962 in Peoria, Ill., she was the first born of Ron and Bev Stark. She grew up in Colorado Springs Colorado, where she attended Widefield High School and became a diehard Denver Broncos fan. She served as Security Police in the US Air Force as both active duty and reserve. She was the first woman to win the Peacekeeper Challenge, winning the sharpshooter event. Cathy also attended Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona where she earned her Certificate of Management.

Cathy met Susan Swanson in 1998 and together built an incredible life filled with love, friendships, laughter, travel, and of course the Denver Broncos. They were married on May 6, 2006, and lived in both Colorado and Northern Arizona over the years. Cathy worked in Management for Kroger for 25 years before retiring and starting a new career with Progressive Insurance as a Senior Underwriter. No matter where she lived, the Broncos went with her.

In 2020 Cathy and Susan, along with their dogs, moved to Tennessee. Her parents soon followed and were just down the way in Mississippi. A new city and new adventures had to wait as the pandemic hit. Ever the optimist, Cathy found the best camping spots in neighboring areas, and they settled into the “new normal” in their town just southeast of Memphis.

Cathy was fiercely loyal, kind, compassionate, and always the peace maker. She was a loving wife, an amazing best friend, and the family rock. She never met a stranger. Cathy had an infectious laugh and touched many people in this life. She was the pebble that starts the ripples of waves of love and friendship. Cathy also loved nature, camping, reading and of course the Denver Broncos. Cathy will be missed by all she loved and the multitudes she touched in life.

Cathy is survived by her wife Susan Swanson, mother Beverly Stark, sister Sheri (Tim) Webster, brother Robert (Cyndi) Stark, niece Amber Webster, nephew’s Eddie Asher, Matthew (Tabitha) Asher, Christopher (Jen) Asher, Nathan Stark, Brandon Robinson, and beloved pup Zeek. Cathy is predeceased by her sister Deb (Ron) James and father Ron Stark.

No service will be performed at this time. Her ashes will be scattered by family so that Cathy, may once again, be in nature.

Thank you to everyone who supported both Cathy and Susan throughout this arduous journey. They could not have gotten through each day without the prayers, songs, gifts, posts, and love given by all of you. Please continue to hold her and her family in your hearts and remember “All who wander are not lost”.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Stark family.