Ardelle Starkey

Ardelle Starkey, 86, went to be the with her Lord on December 23, 2020. Ardelle was born in Broadlands, Illinois, but lived most of her life in the Indianapolis area. She graduated from Lawrence Central High School.

Ardelle married Charles Starkey in 1951, when she was 17 years old and he was 19. Though Ardelle didn’t recommend that others get married that young, their marriage lasted 65 years until Charles died in 2016. Ardelle is survived by her four children: Anne (Wayne) Gordon of Chicago, IL; Doug (Shelly) Starkey of Indianapolis, IN; Jeff Starkey of Akron, OH; and Susan Starkey of Indianapolis, IN; Ardelle is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann Moore of Greenfield, IN; and her sister-in-law Jeanne Starkey of Carmel, IN. Ardelle was predeceased in death by her husband Charles, and by her brother Jack Moore.

Ardelle and Charles, or Mamaw and Papaw, loved to spend time with their grandchildren. One highlight for each grandchild was a vacation to Disney World with Mamaw and Papaw when they turned 6 years old. Grandchildren surviving Ardelle are Angela (Nate) George, Andrew (Stacy) Gordon, Austin Gordon, Paige (Brandon) Andrews, Todd (Leslie) Starkey, Kara (Alex) Wilster and Kristen (Brian) Do. Ardelle is also survived by seven great grandchildren.

Ardelle was a wonderful homemaker who poured her life into her husband and four children. She and Charles were a team – he was building a business to provide for the family and Ardelle was creating an environment at home where each of their children could thrive. She was the chef, the taxi service and the comforter, always making sure each child had everything they needed. Ardelle had a beautiful voice and loved to sing around the house. Her music was appreciated by her kids except when she would go into their bedroom early in the morning and sing to wake them for school!

Later in life, Charles’ eyesight declined so Ardelle needed to take a more active role in the business. She proved to be an important contributor to the business. Ardelle had worked as an executive secretary early in their marriage, and those administrative skills were valuable to the business as she worked alongside Charles at the end of his career.

Ardelle had the gift of hospitality and an outgoing personality. She loved to host a party and entertain friends and family whether it was for the holidays, a graduation or other special occasion. Ardelle and Charlie were part of a euchre club for many years and enjoyed playing cards late into the night with their best friends.

Ardelle also loved basketball – she grew up in Indiana after all. If at a basketball game there was a loud whistle coming from the crowd, everyone knew it was Ardelle. Her whistle could be heard throughout the gymnasium!

Ardelle loved the local church and was involved in several churches that were part of the Restoration Movement, including Traders Point Christian Church, E. 91st St. Christian Church and Anchor Christian Church in Bonita Springs, FL. She used her beautiful voice to sing praises to her Lord. Ardelle and Charles always looked forward to attending the North American Christian Convention each year where they could connect with friends from all over the country.

There will be a private service and burial. Online condolences can be left at www.flannerbuchanan.com. Memorial donations can be made to the Lawndale Community Church, 3827 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago, IL 60623.

Please follow the attached link to view the live stream service  at 10am Tuesday December 29, https://youtu.be/o8raVbeNpz8