Kathaleen Roberts

Kathaleen "Kathy" A. Roberts, 77 of Kirksville, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the Kirksville Manor Care Center in Kirksville.
She was born on March 7, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Joseph and Doris (Eades) Starr. Kathy was raised by her grandparents, Pearl and Iva Starr, who played a significant role in shaping the woman she became.
Kathy loved watching hummingbirds flutter around her home and rarely missed a WWE wrestling match. She took her wrestling very seriously-so seriously that if anyone dared to say it "wasn't real," she'd let them know exactly what she thought about that, and it usually wasn't quiet. She enjoyed crochet work and crossword puzzles, but one of her greatest joys was playing Donkey Kong on her Nintendo. And everyone in the house knew the rules: no talking while Kathy was playing. If someone did, she didn't hesitate to blame them for making her lose.
Friday nights at Kathy's house became a tradition of their own. All the kids, grandkids, and even the neighborhood kids flocked to her living room for movie night, filling the house with chatter, popcorn, and laughter. Those nights created some of the sweetest memories, and Kathy loved every minute of having a home full. To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as "Grandma Bye-Bye", a name that stuck over the years.
More than anything, Kathy loved her family. Whether she was teasing them, laughing with them, or simply enjoying their company, her happiest moments were the ones spent surrounded by the people she loved most.
She is survived by her children: Cassie Whippie (Mike) of Keokuk; Brenda Smith (Robert) of Luray; Joe Burgess of Kirksville; Tony Smith (Amanda) of Kirksville; Troy Smith (Roni) of Kirksville; Jeremy Smith (Yevette) of Kirksville; and Chance Roberts of Kahoka, her daughter-in-law, Melissa Burgess of Edina; thirty-one grandchildren, forty-seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by three sisters, Linda Fors, Carol Clemens, and Crystal Conley; four brothers, Joseph Starr, Tim Starr, Don Starr, and David Starr; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; a sister, Sharon Smith; two sons, Danny Burgess and Dale Burgess; a grandson, Dakota Stark; three great-grandsons, Connor Burgess, and Jaxon and Reid McKinney.
A gathering of remembrance will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka with the family meeting with friends from 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
Memorials may be made to CARE Roller Rena.