Ione May Starr was born on December 2, 1931 in Iowa City, Iowa to James Arlo McNamee and Ruth Gladys Carr McNamee. She married Earl R. Starr on January 31, 1949 in Clinton, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 5, 1991.
Ione May Starr was co-owner of the S & M Grill in Maquoketa for several years. She had been a waitress and cook for many years. She had also worked at Montgomery Ward?s in Davenport for 4 years and at A.C. Nielsen in Clinton, Iowa for 4 years.
She was a member of the Hope Circle of the DeWitt United Methodist Church and the Royal Neighbors of America. She had volunteered for 15 years at the Referral Center in DeWitt, Iowa. She enjoyed camping, country music, crafts, collecting eagles and thimbles, and most recently, spending time on her computer. Her family was very important to her. She was very proud of her grandchildren- 2 with whom she raised- Amy Wenndt & Kim Conchas.
In Memory of You
I find an old photograph
and see your smile.
As I feel your presence anew,
I am filled with warmth
and my heart remembers love.
I read an old card
sent many years ago
during a time of turmoil and confusion.
The soothing words written then
still caress my spirit
and bring me peace.
I remember who you used to be
the laughter we shared
and wonder what you have become.
Where are you now,
Where did you go,
When the body is left behind
and the spirit is released to fly?
Perhaps you are the morning bird
singing joyfully at sunrise,
or the butterfly that dances
so carelessly on the breeze
or the rainbow of colors
that brightens a stormy sky
or the fingers of afternoon mist
delicately reaching over the mountains
or the final few rays of the setting sun
lighting up the skies
edging the clouds with a magical glow.
I miss your being
but I feel your presence,
In whatever form you choose to take,
however you now choose to be.
Your spirit has become for me
a guardian angel on high
guiding, advising, and watching over me.
I remember you.
You are with me
and I am not afraid.