Gale L. Starks, age 72 of Highland, IL, died Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Bria of Cahokia in Cahokia Heights, IL.
She was born on Saturday, November 05, 1949, in Olney, IL, the daughter of William and Mary (nee Slichenmeyer) Dickerson.
On Friday, March 16, 1979, she married Edward W. Starks who passed away on Monday, September 20, 2004.
She was a member of First Congregational Church of Highland and the VFW Post #5694 Auxiliary, Highland, IL.
Gale was born in Olney, IL. She moved to Highland in 1953 and had lived there ever since. She graduated from Highland High School in 1967 and went to SIU-Edwardsville for 2 years. While attending Highland High School, she was a cheerleading captain. She worked as a paralegal mostly at Stolar Partnership in St. Louis, MO. Before retirement, she worked at SIU-Edwardsville for 4 years. She was a 20 plus year liver transplant survivor, receiving the transplant in 2000. She enjoyed oil painting, playing piano, reading, scrapbooking, writing poems, art on the square, traveling, trips on the Great River Road, camping with family, dancing, swimming, and singing with the choir at First Congregational Church, Highland, IL. Her two favorite things were the fall season and Jasmine, her cat.
Survivors include: Sons – Ryan E. (Significate Other Angie J. Brueck) Starks, Greenville, IL; Darrin W. (Candi M.) Starks, Highland, IL; Former Daughter-In-Law – Christina M. DiMaggio, Highland, IL; Brother – John W. “Bud” (Jeannie) Dickerson, Highland, IL; Grandchildren – Nicolo DiMaggio, Highland, IL; Noah E. Starks, Highland, IL; Landen J. Starks, Greenville, IL; Lilyana N. Starks, Highland, IL; Lacey J. Starks, Greenville, IL; Luke J. Starks, Greenville, IL; Sebastian W. Starks, Highland, IL.
She was preceded in death by: Father – William H. “Bill” Dickerson – Died 2/21/2014; Mother – Mary Ester (nee Slichenmeyer) Dickerson – Died 6/22/1986; Husband – Edward W. Starks – Died 09/20/2004.
Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 PM to on Friday, February 04, 2022, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL with Pastor Matt Mendenhall, Lead Pastor, Smith Grove Baptist Church, Greenville, IL, officiating. A visitation from 5:00 to 6:00 PM will be held prior to the Celebration of Life.
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 05, 2022, at First Congregational Church, Highland, IL, with Pastor Richard W. Cook, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Family (payable to Darrin Starks) or to Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.
