Kathy Jean Starr

DERBY – Starr, Kathy J., age 57, passed away Friday, September 9, 2011. Kathy was the third daughter born to Eugene and Maxine McConaughey. While growing up she attended school in Ulysses, Kansas. Kathy played the alto sax and was a twirler for the Ulysses High School marching band. After graduation she applied and was accepted into Kansas State University where she graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Kathy was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Melissa and Kristen. During her teaching career she taught children in pre-school, kindergarten, first grade, and those with learning disabilities. Kathy was a candidate for Outstanding Young Educator, in 1978. She was elected as an Outstanding Young Woman of America, in 1985. Kathy was involved with both Beta Sigma Phi and Phi Kappa Phi. During her life, she played with the hand bell choir, was a song leader for Sunday School opening, taught Vacation Bible School, and participated in the Lutheran Marriage Encounter. Visitation 1 – 8 p.m. Thursday, September 15, at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS with family present from 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral service 3pm Friday, September 16 at Faith Lutheran Church, 214 S. Derby Ave., Derby, KS. Kathy is survived by her husband, Robert; children, Melissa & Kevin White, and Kristen Jarvis; granddaughter Alivia Grace White; siblings, Michelle & Mike Carter, Deborah & John Kearn, and Kent & Bev McConaughey. A Memorial is established with Faith Lutheran School, 214 S. Derby, Derby, KS 67037. View tributes and sign guestbook at www.smithfamilymortuaries.com.