Helen STARNES

STARNES, Helen a long-time resident of Lutz, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2013, at the age of 89. She is now with her Lord and Savior. Born Helen Fischer in Frohna, MO, she married her high school sweetheart Raymond H. Littge after college. Together they had two sons, George, and Ray (now deceased). After Raymond, a WII fighter ace was killed in a tragic Air Force plane crash, she later married James (Jim) R. Starnes, another WWII fighter ace and career Air Force officer. Soon afterward, daughter, Cherry joined the family. Helen was a wonderful mother, wife and grandmother. Passionate about growing roses, she grew and arranged the flowers for her church's altar for many years. She was also very active in a local garden club. Helen is survived by her sister, Myrtle Schwartz (Denver, CO); son, George Littge (Tampa); daughter, Cherry Diefenbach (Pine Valley, CA); son-in-law, Andy Diefenbach; and three grandchildren, Morgan, Tyler & Spencer Diefenbach also of Pine Valley, CA. (Her husband, Jim, passed away in 2010.) Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 21st, 10 am, at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon. The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers are sent to MacDonald's Training Center, 5420 W. Cypress St., Tampa, FL 33607. (MacDonald's is a 501c3 facility that provides services to disabled adults. Helen's son, George currently receives services there.) Arrangements by Blount & Curry Carrollwood Chapel (813)968-2231.