Esther T. Starkey

Esther M Starkey, left this world to be with her husband and sons. She was born October 3, 1934, to Harry & Grace Johnson. Esther passed away January, 3, 2026, at 91 years old.

Esther was born and raised in South Zanesville, but was a resident of Newark OH. for more than 60 years.

She married the love of her life, Clifford Starkey. They had many wonderful years and adventures together. They had 2 sons, Jack and Mike, both of whom left this world too soon.

Esther was a wonderful person and loved life. She loved to travel, work in her yard with her flowers (especially her roses), and she loved having fresh tomatoes (Thanks to her neighbor Tom). With the help of her neighbor Doug, Esther was still mowing at 90 years old.

She told the story that she didn’t like how her husband mowed, so she did it instead. One of her favorite sayings was, “you better enjoy today, because you are not promised tomorrow.”

She had many special friends from great neighbors to her YMCA friends. We will miss her, but know she is in a better place. She had 2 young men that she considered grandsons, Gabe and Dane Starkey. She had a lot of fun with them and enjoyed their phone calls and visits. Her wishes were that she got to stay home until she was called to her final resting place and with the help of her nieces Lori Starkey & Elaine Crawmer and family Beth Stottsberry & Debbie & Daryl Moore & Special friends, Tom & Michelle Parsnell & family, Dr. Parker Gunisler & family, Doug Smith, Marty McCoy and Dottie Manning she was was able to stay there until her final day, at which time she passed away peacefully at Licking Memorial with Parker (whom she considered her best friend) by her side holding her hand. She loved us all and we loved her.

The family would like to thank 1st light caregivers, Premier Health, and Heartland Hospice for the care given to Esther in her last 3 months of life. Esther will be laid to rest beside Clifford and her sons at Rosehill Cemetery with Rev. Terry Newman & Tony Starkey giving the Eulogy. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, 5 sisters, 1 brother, & her husband and sons. She leaves behind many Nieces and Nephews and friends who loved her.

Per Esther’s wishes there will only be a small gathering in her honor.

Friends and family may call from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, and Services will begin at 1:30 which will be officiated by Pastor Terry Newman at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE.  She will be laid to rest at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Roseville, Ohio.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.

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