Eleanor Elaine Starcher

Eleanor Elaine Henderson Starcher was born to Marion E. Henderson and Edna C. Cobb on August 11, 1921 in Waynoka, OK. She was the oldest of 4 children and the only daughter.

As a young girl she helped at the family’s grocery store, cooked and sewed, and helped care for her younger brothers. Eleanor graduated from Mooreland High School school in 1939. She went on to study Home Economics at Oklahoma A&M college (now OSU) and was one of the first females to graduate from Oklahoma A&M. She graduated in 1944. Eleanor went on to earn a post graduate certification as well.

Eleanor married Berton Starcher in Mooreland, OK on June 3 1948. Berton and Eleanor had one daughter, Marion. Eleanor taught Home Economics, served as a home demonstration agent, and believed that volunteering was a full time profession.

Throughout her long life of service she participated in the Women's Society of Christian Service, archivist for the 1st United Methodist Church (UMC) of Hobbs and Arvada, is a founding member of the AUMC quilting group,is a 50 year member of Eastern Star, honored member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and numerous Genealogical societies. Her greatest love many would say was the United Methodist Women (UMW). Eleanor served UMW as the local president position for the United Methodist Women chapter at 1st UMC in Hobbs and Arvada UMC, district president and the New Mexico State UMW conference vice president. She lived to serve.

The couple lived in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas throughout their marriage. Many years were spent in Hobbs, NM and then in 2000 Eleanor moved to Arvada where she lived out the remainder of her life. Berton and Eleanor built a vacation house in Timberon, NM to share with friends and family spending many hours working and relaxing at the house. Having family around was one of Eleanor’s favorite activities. The cabin in Timberon provided a place to laugh, joke, play games, and enjoy each others company.

Eleanor was the family genealogist and has collected stories and family history through many generations. Every reunion she would take her growing collection for the family to look through. Eleanor loved to share stories. She would always make time to teach others about history whether about the Methodist church, genealogy, the dust bowl, or her plethora of other events. In April Eleanor was honored to speak to the Warder Elementary 4th graders about her experiences during the dust bowl.

Eleanor also loved baseball. It was a family tradition to go to a game for her birthday. She always got a great swag bag and her famous smile lit up her face the whole time cheering for the Rockies with her great grandkids. Eleanor loved spending time with her family and, later in life, was always ready for an adventure. She participated in a color run while wheelchair bound, went sledding at the age of 92 and 96 with her grandson and great grandchildren, and expressed an interest in white water rafting that she was unable to explore. She also loved responding to the name GG. She was GG to many more than just her 4 great grandkids.

Eleanor died at her residence at Nightingale Suites in Arvada, CO on July 6, 2019 at the age of 97. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband Berton Starcher, her brothers Marion (Gene), Donald, and Wilbur Henderson, and sister-in-law Iris Henderson. Eleanor is survived by her daughter Marion Burnham and her spouse Robert; her grandson Robin Burnham and his spouse Tara; her great grandchildren: Wyatt, Tehya, Garyn, and Edwyn, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and to the Arvada UMC – United Methodist Womens Mission Programs

Please share your condolences with the family by visiting the guest book below.

 

Memorial Service: July 13, 2019 10:30 am

Arvada United Methodist Church
6750 Carr Street
Arvada, CO 80004