Collen Denise Stark

Colleen "Denise" Stark entered eternal life on February 10, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was proceeded in death by her mother Madelyn Colleen Argo and her father, Wesley Ray Stark. Nephew Aaron "Scott" Burr. Grandparents Paul & Lucille and John & Ruby who all welcomed Denise home.
Survived by her Son Daniel Gonshor and Kim. Daughter Julie Gonshor and granddaughters Jensen Avery and Olivia Kaysi. Brother John Wesley and Robin Stark, their children Maegan and Bobby, Hayden and Nicholas their grandchildren Ella, Kash and Ireland. Her sister Elizabeth "Boo" Stark- her children David, Brittany, and their sons Bryson and Hudson. Cody and Heather and their children Sophia, Henry and Josie.
Denise and her family lived in Oklahoma City long enough for her to attend Webster middle for a brief time. Stories of the neighborhood kids and her brother and sister, John & Boo were always playing outside. Walking to Dairy Queen for chocolate dipped cones and footlongs. She was the BEST BIG SISTER EVER and oldest daughter "mama" of the bunch!
At an early age Denise learned all about snipe hunting up in Grove OK and the Grand Lake area some of the most frequent stories told were always about Grandma Lou and Grandpa Paul fishing. Tanning with iodine on the dock in front of their lake house which is about as 70's era as you can get, fishing while drinking Shasta.
After graduating from Grove high school in 1979, she took the opportunity to explore areas beyond the small town that she loved. Denise was open to various possibilities of life and direction; she loaded up her car and eventually ended up in Oklahoma City. She met Jerome or "Jerry". Their first date was to the ice capades, and she'd ALWAYS talk about playing asteroids over pitchers of beer at Chuckee Cheese. She then had her two children, Daniel and Julie which led to furthering her education by attending college and graduating from UCO with a degree in Education.
Education was her true calling, and she found her fulfillment in life through learning and teaching. When Denise was around 5 years old her teacher asked the students what they wanted to be when they grew up and her response for the yearbook was "a teacher". She retired after serving several years at Oklahoma City Public Schools and multiple awards including Teacher of the Year.
Her path of teaching didn't stop in the classroom, her mission in life was to educate, protect and guide as a mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Denise poured her heart into every aspect of her life, from her love of pop culture to hosting memorable gatherings and celebrating holidays with family. She was a gifted creator, both in art and in the kitchen as a talented baker.
She was and is selfless and always gave love and faith through God and was welcomed HOME.
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