Kay (French) Starkweather

Kay Starkweather passed away at home on Sunday, March 26, 2023 surrounded by her family.  She passed at 8:05 PM Sunday night, tip off time for the UI Women’s basketball game.  We think she wanted to watch the game with Dad,

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 10 from 2 to 4 PM at the Fruitland Community Center, 104 Sand Run Road, Fruitland, IA, 52749.  Please come and share memories and the love that Kay gave to so many of us during her lifetime.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

Born April 5, 1945, in Muscatine to Glen and Maxine Allicks French, the oldest of three siblings. 

Kay completed her elementary education in the Muscatine co. one room school system.  She went on to graduate from Muscatine High School, Class of ’63.  She married Adam Starkweather, JR in April 1965.  They later divorced.

Kay worked at two places, as a Cher-Top car hop in her teens and Auditor’s Office at the Muscatine Court House for 37 years before she retired.

Her favorite activities were going out with the class of ’63 lunch group, red hatters and court house retirees.  But by far the most meaningful were her sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events, cheerleading and choir concerts, plus grandparent’s day at school.  Grandma Kay made sure each granddaughter got a trip to the Iowa Women’s Basketball games so they could have a picture taken with the cheerleaders. 

Grandma’s spaghetti casserole, ice cream social cake, fudge, divinity, and Christmas breath wreaths.  And no taking a bite out of the middle of the custard pie does not make it yours.  These recipes will be handed down throughout the generations.

Kay is survived by her sister Pam French, sons Brian Starkweather (Kelly) and Andrew Starkweather (Chell), grandchildren Allison (Ben) Eagle, Taylor (Dallas) Spurling, Brittany (Tyler) Edwards, BreAnna (Tanner) Starkweather, Jake (Madalyn) Starkweather, Adam Starkweather, Mae Cox, JR Cox, Kylee Rumley, Kayla (Jake) Miller, Paige (Billy) Miller , Jamie (Mila) Beal and Dylan (Kim) Beal. Great grandchildren Keaton, Aiden, KElann, Avery, Nicole, Blaedon, Elaina, River, Bowen, Harlow, Dixi, Timber, Oakley, Sebastian, Tanner and Jahzelle.   Nieces Beth (Jim) Meyers and Debbi (Gary) Polston.   Her cats Yang and Annie.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Wayne, and former husband Adam Starkweather, JR.

Everyone who knows Kay is aware of her love of teddy bears and children.  The family will be collecting teddy bears and art supplies to be donated to UIHC Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Kay’s name.  Those wishing to donate, items may be brought to the Celebration of Life or ordered through an Amazon Wish List, Kay Starkweather Memorial. The Amazon items will be sent to her sister, Pam French, for delivery to the hospital.

The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice staff for all the kind care they gave Kay at the end of her journey.  To all the family and friends who stopped by to let Kay know she was loved, thank you is not enough.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kay (French) Starkweather, please visit our floral store.