Obituary of Evelene Howell Starkey

Evelene was born February 14, 1926 in Hillsboro, Oregon to Mable and George Howell of Banks, Oregon. She grew up on a strawberry farm during the Great Depression. She was raised with 5 brothers, whom all have preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters, Kay Ellison and her husband Mike of Vancouver, Washington and Wendy Scharich and her husband Craig of Donald, Oregon. Also 4 grandchildren, Joy and Matthew Ellison and Lee and Anne Scharich. She attended Mead, Manning, and Banks grade schools and graduated from Banks High School in May 1944. Shortly thereafter, on October 2, 1944, she joined the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. She graduated 3 years later from The Dalles Hospital School of Nursing October 2, 1947. She married Verle Dale Starkey September 2, 1949 at Central Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon. They celebrated their 50th golden wedding anniversary at Valley Presbyterian Church. Evelene served as a deacon and was a member of the Valley Choir for over 20 years. She also was a volunteer 2 years on the Mexico Mission Team. She volunteered over 13 years at St. Vincent’s Hospital in the Health Resource Center. She liked to meet the public and enjoyed the 20 years she spent as an Occupational Health Nurse for Tektronix, Inc. Her life was one of service to her country, her family, and her abiding faith. Mom, we love you and want to celebrate your life. In the 1930s, your childhood dreams were to live in Portland, become a nurse, and to be able to eat a banana every day. You remembered those dreams, and took satisfaction in achieving them, and in raising us. Even when in the hospital before you died, you told your grandson Matt your joy in having raised “two wonderful girls that never gave me any trouble.” Thanks, Mom. You done good. One thing that you said often that sustained us was that you prayed for us every day. Thank you, thank you. You prayed for family, people at church, friends. Your life was filled with good habits. We are trusting that you are praying for us all the time now, which sustains us still. Service Information