Kathy Anne Starnes

Kathy Anne Starnes, a resident of Ira Township, Michigan, passed during the early hours of Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the age of 67. She was born April 15, 1957 in Detroit, MI to the late Frank and Dolores Osmulski Gutenkunst. She was the beloved wife of Mr. Douglas J. Starnes Jr. for over 17 cherished years, marrying on May 20, 2007.
Kathy was previously employed at Huntington Bank as an Assistant Manager, where she often took part in their many charitable events. In her younger years she enjoyed antiquing, horseback riding, bowling, and attending musical concerts. In her most recent years, she focused her many artistic talents into the home; she took pride in decorating, arts and crafts, gardening, and especially growing her flowers. It should come as no surprise that her favorite flower was the Sunflower, symbolizing happiness, joy, loyalty and faithfulness. She and her husband enjoyed boating and spent much of their summer at their island cottage on the Saint Clair Flats. During the cold winter months, they enjoyed vacationing at their getaway in Longboat Key, FL.
She along with her father dedicated their charitable love by volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Her big heart didn't stop there, however, as a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton Township, she was the PTA President participating and organizing fundraising events. Her love for animals was indisputable, centered on the Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan (GRROM) and through this organization, she adopted her best canine buddy, Kelsey. Not shy of slightly absurd humor, she was a founding member of the family club titled "Today's Issues, Tomorrow's Solutions Society," sporting quite the... interesting acronym. Most importantly, Kathy will be most dearly remembered for her relentless love for her family, radiating joy and inspiration to those closest to her.
She is survived by her husband Doug, children Michael (Michael Kolb) Janecek, Matthew (Inna) Janecek, Douglas (Jennifer) Starnes III, Jonathan (Samantha) Janecek, and Heather (Michael) Owczarek. Kathy was a devoted grandmother to Charlie, Jack, Lainey, Lucas and Abby. Her sisters, Sandra (Dennis Tucci) Gutenkunst, Laurie (Mark) Racey, nephew Adam Racey, nieces, Bryana (LTC. Marcus Reeder) Tucci, Emily (Blake) Wright, 3 great nieces with one soon to arrive and best friend Monique Marsack, as well as other extended family. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Frank Gutenkunst, Jr.
Visitation will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the Harold W. Vick Funeral Home 140 South Main, Mount Clemens, Michigan. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 12 noon, with guest arriving at 11:00 am. The Rev. Gary Richard will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be addressed to Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan (GRROM).
Share memories and sign the online guestbook at www.vickfuneralhome.com