Alta Estella (Duey) Starkel was an amazing woman even at 101. Born in Mount Vernon, WA on May 21, 1917 to William and Pearl Duey, she was the sister between brothers Fernley and Bill who both preceded her in death. Her family moved to Bellevue in 1921 to run a dairy farm. Before she could read she was filling milk orders and running bottles of milk to customers.
A Bellevue High School graduate in 1934, she was only 16 years old after skipping two grade levels. She worked as a clerk and doing payroll as an adult until she met Bill Starkel from National.
In 1953 they married and they moved to the Ashford area where they owned and operated a gas station leading into Mt Rainier Nat. Park. Later they moved to the Puyallup valley where her dahlias were always a source of joy.
Preceded in death by Bill, she most recently lived in Tacoma at Spring Ridge Assisted Living. While there she was lovingly cared for until her death on September 18, 2018. She will especially be missed by her remaining family: sister-in-law Sue Starkel Bottcher, numerous nieces and nephews, and others closest to her. Many thanks to all those who sent cards, called, and visited.
Join us for a celebration of life on October 1st, 11:00 a.m. at Powers Funeral Home, 320 W Pioneer, Puyallup, Washington.
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