Obituary of Joyce Marie Starr

JOYCE MARIE STARR Joyce Marie Starr, 86, born on February 11, 1928 passed away surrounded by her loving children at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center on Saturday, September 6, 2014. She was born in Astoria, OR to Hans & Vesta Brons. Joyce was born into a large family being 5th out of 11 children. She spent her childhood in the Warrenton area and graduated from Warrenton High School. She enjoyed riding the bus to the Astoria roller skating rink and it was there that she met Johnnie Starr. They were married on May 5, 1949 in Kelso, WA. As they began their married life together they rode a Harley Davidson together that lead them to many adventures. Mom enjoyed her role as a domestic engineer as she liked to be called and preferred that over the term "housewife". The role she played in the family raising 6 children was one that she took serious leading by example, providing a nurturing and loving home in that she taught her children to be respectful, honest and kind. She also taught her children to play together, have fun and to keep a sense of humor as we needed to be able to keep up with her sense of humor. She was involved with her children's growing up being a Brownie Troop Leader, girls baseball player agent and secretary for the Camas/Washougal Little League. She made sure the family always sat together around the table for dinner as she served delicious meals. She was a great cook. She was known in the family for her variety of cookies she would make at Christmas in which her daughters continue to carry on that tradition. Watching sports on TV was a favorite of Joyce's as she would root for her teams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, SF Giants & Portland Trailblazers. Joyce wore the title of grandmother & great grandmother with pride & being proud. She loved each and every one of them for who they are and who they will become. She enjoyed visiting and traveling to be there for birthdays and special occasions. Family was important to her including her siblings, she looked forward to family reunions, sisters lunches, being able to visit and share stories. She was a cancer survivor which she fought long and hard, showing her strength and humor. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Johnnie Starr; 3 brothers, and 5 sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Gary Gerdes, Janet Doug Flohr; sons, Randy Joan Starr; Gary Starr, Doug Irene Starr and Mike Starr; brother, Fred Brons; sister, Vesta Eggleston 18 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. We will miss her football picks, Army vs. Navy games, playing PAC Man, shopping until we dropped and she wanted to keep going, her cute sayings, and fun sense of humor and new learned skill of books on a Kindle. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Straub's Funeral Home in Camas followed by a reception at the Camas Community Center from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Burial will be private at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.