Billie Jean Starkovich

Billie Jean Starkovich, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep, during the early hours of Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 as she had wished. 

Billie was born on April 22, 1936, in Mineola, Texas to Eula Lee Greer and Horace Verley Palmer. She spent the first seven years of her life in Mineola until her family sold their family farm and moved to Delta in 1943. She graduated from Delta High School in 1955.

She met the love of her life, Eldon Lee Starkovich, with a friend at a drive-up food concession one summer day; they were married on September 29, 1957. Together, they built a legacy of love and commitment that served as a guiding light for their two daughters and entire family. They shared 37 years together prior to his passing on November 21st, 1994. 

Billie worked for Dr. Robert Haverstock for over two years as his receptionist after completing high school. She then went to work at Colorado Bank & Trust Co., and worked there until the birth of their first daughter and became a full time mom and homemaker. After Eldon’s death she worked as an in- home care giver for several elderly ladies in the Delta area. 

In her lifetime, Billie consistently showed immense love, care and devotion for her family and friends. Her kind nature, strong character, and nurturing spirit deeply touched the hearts of numerous individuals. She served as a beacon of light, reliable source of support, encouragement, and love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

She is survived by her two daughters’; Tamera L. Seipp and husband Alan D., Michelle R. LaFollette, one granddaughter Brandy M. Markley, three grandsons; Tobi L. LaFollette and wife Angela; Tony R. LaFollette, Eric S. LaFollette & Katherine; her four great grandsons Deiken L. Jones, Atticus M. Christy, Eldon P. Lafollette, Zavier LaFollette De La Cruz, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many special friends that were blessed to know her.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Horace V. and Eula L. Palmer; her three brothers Marion V., Leon, and Leo I. (Emma E.) Palmer; her three sisters; Hazel L. “Rene” (Charles H.) Hoffman and first husband Virgil G. Martin; Patsy R. Ormsby (Vernon J., Jr) Deloyce M. “Dee” (Robert G.) James; her husband Eldon L. Starkovich; her in-laws Joseph & Frances E. Starkovich; all of her husband’s siblings; Eva V. (L.J.) McCarty, Josephine M. (Francis) Ferriby; Charlotte F. (Iva G.) Pratt; Rose M. (William L.) Madaris; John N. Starkovich; her granddaughter Amber L. Markley and son-in-law Richard L. LaFollette.

Although Billie’s physical body finally wore out, she defeated death through her trust in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and upon her final breath entered into His eternal presence. Those who she left behind will miss her dearly; however, we find peace and comfort knowing she now rests comfortably in the arms of Jesus and is rejoicing with her family. Her faith in the Gospel message stands as a testimony to all of the hope and joy resulting from having a personal relationship with Jesus.

The family wishes to thank her doctors, all of the caregivers at HopeWest Hospice in Delta, her special nurse Alice Crabtree and all of her friends and family, for their prayers, support, cards, visits and phone calls over the last year.

Services will be held December 21st at 2:00 pm, at The First Baptist Church in Delta, streaming service will be available on this memorial. Please join us for a gathering of family and friends immediately following the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made directly to the family or to HopeWest Hospice of Delta.