Mary Starr Howard

On February 27th, 2021, Mary “Starr” Howard (Elliott), age 69, of Winfield, Missouri stepped through from this life, into the arms of Jesus Christ Her Lord. Starr passed peacefully in her home surrounded by loving family and friends.

Starr was born on August 12th, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph and Mary Elliott (nee Kotalik). Starr was united in marriage to Michael Howard of Winfield, Missouri on the 14th of January 1994.

She was proceeded in death by her mother and father and is survived by her husband, Michael Howard; three sons, Jeff Hoffman of St. Louis, MO, Larry Howard of Winfield Mo , Aaron (Andrea) Howard of Elsberry, MO; one daughter, Michelle (Randy) Owen; seven grandchildren, Eric Brotherton, Rachelle (Luke) Christman, Chloe Howard, Juliana Owen, Hattie Howard, Nenad Howard, and Emilie Howard. Starr is also survived by her three siblings, Diana (Ron) Smith, Lora (Jeff) Taylor, Joey Elliott, along with many nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends & coworkers.

All who knew Starr, enjoyed her quick wit, tender heart, sense of humor, blatant honesty and genuine nature. Starr was passionate about wildlife and enjoyed horseback riding as well as her—fur babies—beagles and labradors.

Starr possessed a unique skill for garage sale’s, theater, blazing the dance floor, loudly singing to her favorite songs on the radio, attending movie date nights with her husband and supporting him in his country music shows. Starr was a skilled couponer who knew the value of a dollar and enjoyed the simple things in life. Starr could often be found with a cup of coffee and “Cheezit’s” while routinely watching her Soaps.

One of Starr’s greatest loves was the devotion to her vocation as a Registered Nurse (RN). Starr began working as an RN for DePaul and St. Luke’s Hospitals. Starr spent the latter part of her years at Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab fulfilling the roles of Administration, Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, Training and Orientation.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

“Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give.

If life be long, I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If short, yet why should I be sad
To welcome endless day?

Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than He went through before;
He that unto God’s kingdom comes
Must enter by this door.

Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet
Thy blessèd face to see;
For if Thy work on earth be sweet
What will Thy glory be!

Then I shall end my sad complaints
And weary sinful days,
And join with the triumphant saints
That sing my Savior’s praise.

My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim;
But ’tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him (Richard Baxter 1615-1691).