Barbara Starks

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Barbara Lee Starks, also fondly known as “Mama Starks” passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the age of 82.

She was born in Louisville, Kentucky on August 18, 1938, the daughter of the late Walter H. Davis Sr., and the late Thelma E. Foehl Kaucher.

Barbara will be remembered for many things – her laughter, quick-witted quips and sense of humor, strong will and determination, and the extraordinary love she felt for her daughter, grandson, family and friends. Barbara truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting and laughing with friends and family, enjoying a cocktail (or two) with the “girls”, periodic trips to the casino, fishing, gardening, singing, bantering with her son-in-law, and watching old movies and countless hours of investigative crime documentaries. She loved animals - whether it was her horses, cats or dogs, she always had an animal companion at her side. Barbara held various jobs throughout her life: fashion model, court reporter, pharmaceutical representative (one of the first females in the country), and medical transcriptionist. But she always said that her greatest accomplishment and joy in her life was being a mother.

To cherish her memory, she is survived by her daughter, Sarah Kleinschmidt (Travis), her grandson, Thomas Kleinschmidt (whom she patiently waited 77 years for), two nephews, Joseph Krasko, Jr (Annette), and James Krasko (Debra), one niece, Edith Krasko and her beloved dog, Mitzy. Barbara also has several “adopted” daughters whom she considered family: Signe Bartlett, Ingrid Haby, Suzi Martin, Jennifer Sgro, Jennifer Hobbs and Deb Olsen Hines.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Walter H. Davis, Jr. and her sister, Diane J. Krasko.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time (and will likely involve many stories, a lot of laughter, sangria and other fruity cocktails – just as Barbara would have wanted).

Barbara was a strong supporter of our American Veterans. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Disabled American Veterans: www.dav.org