Mary Emily Starr, 93, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at The Pines in Holton. She was born December 11, 1921 on a farm in Soldier, KS, the daughter of Otto Ross and Stella Louise (Peasley) McKinsey.

Mary attended Bucks Grove and Avoca Grade Schools and graduated from Soldier High School in 1940. She was a farmwife and lifelong member of the Soldier community.

She was a member of Circleville Christian Church and V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Post 1367. Mary was also a member of Widowed Friends (formerly called Christian’s Women) and helped by serving refreshments

Mary married Dale Francis Starr on May 9, 1943 in Circleville. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2011. She was also preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Natalie Howerton.

         
Survivors include a son, Robert D. Starr (Bernita) of Topeka; 2 daughters, Donna Simmons (Allan) of Soldier and Dianne Alford (Harold) of Topeka; a sister, Bessie Swain of Holton; a brother, Vern McKinsey of Onaga, 3 grandchildren, Becky Howerton, Brandy McGovern and Steven Starr and 9 great-grandchildren.

 Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Mary and Dale’s ashes will both be placed in the Olive Hill Cemetery following the service. Family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Relay for Life or to the Circleville Christian Church building fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.