Betty Grace Starek

Betty Grace Haley Starek, age 89, passed away on September 10, 2024, in Kemp, Texas, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 20, 1935, in Mabank, Texas, the youngest daughter of 15 children to parents James and Rose(Shew) Haley. 

Betty married Jerry Starek, he truly was the love of her life for 69 years, and they settled in Kemp, TX, where they raised their children, Dennis, Linda, Larry, Jerry and Jamie. Together they enjoyed a career of several business. Betty was the bookkeeper, the banker, the cook, and the caregiver to everyone. She was a wife that always stood by her husband during any adventure he came up with and she was so lonely and sad without him. Betty was ready to join him in heaven along with the rest of her family that has gone before her.

Betty loved her family and was always the first one everyone called when they needed something or someone was sick. She loved the outdoors, always working in the garden, putting up food in the freezer and canning for the winter. She loved sewing and cross stitching when she was able to. She also loved fishing, but did not like to eat fish. She enjoyed being around her family and looked forward to Easter and the 4th of July when everyone would be together. She and her siblings and their spouses spent a lot of time together when they were younger and raising their families. She will be dearly missed by all of those who loved her.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents James and Rose Haley, husband Jerry, daughter Linda Starek Thompson, 14 brothers and sisters and many brothers and sister in laws.

Surviving to cherish Betty’s memory are her sons, Dennis and Debbie Starek of Kemp, Larry and Mary Starek of Kemp, James and Lisa Starek of Kemp, and Jerry Starek of Kemp. Grandchildren Christy, Jason, Tracy, Mary Jo, Amanda,Brian, Kathy, Carrie, James Jr., Scotty, Jerry, and Matthew, along with 24 Great Grandchildren, and 4 Great Great Grandchildren, and numerous other extended family members and friends.