Barbara Elaine McRorie Starnes' Obituary
Barbara Elaine McRorie Starnes, 87, of Monroe, passed away peacefully at her home on April 28, 2025. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Lakeland Memorial Park, officiated by Rev. Dr. Chris Baucom.
Born on December 2, 1937, in Union County, NC, Barbara was the daughter of the late Jessie Columbus McRorie and Myrtle Inez Yandle McRorie. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and worked for many years at Imo Pump before later joining Food Lion, where she would make friends with every customer she met.
Barbara was known for her lively spirit and big heart. A lifelong NASCAR fan, she especially admired Dale Earnhardt Sr. She loved spending time outdoors, whether pitching horseshoes with her friend Helen, playing softball, or browsing local yard sales with her lifelong friend, Gwen. She also loved playing cards and the odds were always in her favor. Fiercely devoted to her family, she found great joy in spoiling her grandchildren. She had a giving nature, always putting others before herself, and her spunky, firecracker personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, David Rance Starnes Jr., in 2013 and also by a brother J.C. McRorie. She is survived by her children, Marilyn Laney of Monroe, Susan Kampen of Waxhaw, and David R. Starnes III (Lisa) of Unionville; a brother, Thomas M. McRorie Rose) of Tennessee; sisters, Sherry Smith (Troy) and Delores Ann Griffin (CB), both of Monroe; nine grandchildren, Jake Kunst (Stephanie), Jamison Thompson
(Steven), Erica Kunst (David), Megan Martinez (Fernando), Josephine Kunst, Kelsey Kay, Morgan Kampen, Isabella Kampen, and Amber Starnes. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.
Barbara’s love and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Union County.
Davis Chapel-Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Monroe is serving the Starnes family.
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