Alvira Marie 'Vi' Starks, 89

Alvira Marie “Vi” Starks, formerly of Whitefish, passed away Friday, May 4, 2012, in Billings, after a brief illness.

Vi was born May 18, 1922, in Burdette, Alberta, to Harry and Martha Phipps, the oldest of five children. She grew up and attended schools in Alberta and British Columbia as the family moved about the provinces. They settled in Creston, British Columbia, where she attended high school.

On Nov. 6, 1943, she married Richard “Dick” Starks, a young farmer from Bonners Ferry, Idaho, who was farming in the Kootenai Valley near her parents. They lived in Spokane, Seattle, Bonners  Ferry, where their two daughters were born, Whitefish and Missoula, where her husband passed away in September of 1981.

During her years in Whitefish, Vi was very active in the community. She was active in the Methodist Church in Whitefish and Vista Chapter No. 44 OES, serving as Worthy Matron of that chapter and was mother advisor of the Order of Rainbow for Girls for several years in the 1970s. She held the Grand Cross of Color honor from that organization.  

Vi will be remembered for her beautiful birthday and wedding cakes she baked for friends and neighbors in Whitefish and Missoula. Her grandchildren will remember the “money” birthday cakes and all those goodies she baked for them!

She was busy with the Senior Center while in Whitefish, volunteering her time and working as the director of it for a few years in the late 1990s. She was named Flathead County Senior Citizen of the Year in 2001.

She enjoyed her back yard along the Whitefish River, spending many hours taking care of it and feeding the ducks, geese and birds that came to the yard. “We know they all missed her when she moved away!”

Nine years ago, Vi made the move to Billings to be near her daughter and family. She cut back on her volunteer time with that move, but did enjoy the Senior Center and the ladies group in Hope Methodist Church. She still baked plenty of cookies and made sure all the “old” folks and neighbors were supplied with them.

Vi is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Grantham of Billings, and Donna Rae and Larry Stollfuss of Marion; five grandchildren, Kelli Grantham and Justin Grantham of Billings, Joshua and Fiona Stollfuss of Dearborn, Mich., Jacob and Linda Stollfuss of Cleveland, Ohio, and Jamin Grantham of Bath, Maine; three great-grandchildren, Eli and Julian Stollfuss of Cleveland, and Jordan Stollfuss of Dearborn. She is also survived by her three sisters, Marble Gray, Lois Price and Nina Nesbitt, all of Creston, British Columbia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Dick; her parents, Harry and Martha Phipps; and her brother, Ray Phipps, preceded her in death.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Vi’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be sent to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery in Billings. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”