Theoda J. "Toady" Starkey

Theoda J. “Toady” Starkey, 88, of New Philadelphia, near Tuscarawas, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at Schoenbrunn Healthcare in New Philadelphia, after a long period of declining health. Born June 19, 1926 in Dennison, she was the last surviving child of the late Raymond Joseph and Ruth Edna (Schug) Staley.

After her graduation from Uhrichsville High School in 1944, Toady went to beautician’s school. A lifelong resident of the area, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker who devoted her life to her husband and family whom she loved dearly. She was a longtime member of Uhrichsville Moravian Church where she was active in the Moravian Women, helping to serve countless meals at the church. She also was a volunteer at the Twin City Hospital Coffee Bar for many years and enjoyed card clubs in her spare time.

On May 19, 1946, she married Robert J. Starkey with whom she enjoyed nearly 56 years of marriage until his passing on May 9, 2002. They are survived by 4 daughters: Theoda “Sassy” (Ben) McGarry of Cape Coral, Florida, Nikki Horsfall of New Philadelphia, Susan (William) Love of New Philadelphia, and Margaret (Timothy) Zurcher of Uhrichsville; a daughter-in-law, Donna Starkey of Stillwater; grandchildren: Bobby (companion, Beth Patterson) Starkey, Ray (Amy) Starkey, Hollie (Conrad) Mast, Ben (Amy) McGarry, Brent (Jessie) McGarry, Bill (Trisha) Love, John (Angie) Love, Curtis (Kim) Love, Melinda Kay (Casey) Myers, Tim (Candy) Zurcher, Tom (Becky) Zurcher, Margaret (Steve) Melzer, and Melissa (Brennan) McGarr; and 40 great-grandchildren. Toady is also survived by a sisters-in-law, Carol Staley of Dover and Janice Pittis of Uhrichsville; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons, Richard Starkey and Robert Starkey, II; granddaughter, Melinda Sue Love; grandson, Brian McGarry; sister, Margaret Kaltenbaugh; and brother, Richard Staley.

Services for Toady, officiated by Rev. William Rinderknecht, will be held at 1pm on Monday, December 8, in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Interment will follow beside her beloved husband in Uhrichsville’s Union Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 11am to 1pm on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.