Nannette Starks

Nannette Starks

1946 - 2023

Salt Lake City, Utah

Our beautiful wife and mother passed away peacefully Sunday, March 19, 2023 after a courageous battle with numerous health problems. Born January 20, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah to loving parents, Charles Austin and Nellie Mary “Mae” Sizemore. They moved to Vernal, Utah where Nannette lived for a few years and grew to love the country life. During her time in Vernal she enjoyed spending time outdoors with her Aunt Alvaretta and her cousin Melody. They could always be found outside riding horses, playing games or catching bugs. After a short time in Vernal they moved back to Salt Lake where she graduated from West High School. Shortly after graduating she married the love of her life, Joseph Starks on June 6, 1964. Together they raised five children, living in the Rose Park area throughout most of their married lives. Nannette and Joe’s marriage of nearly 6 decades is a true testament of their love and devotion to one another.

Nannette worked many jobs but one that she really cherished was working with the students at Lincoln Elementary. She adored those kids and not only was she generous with her time but she would often use her own money to make sure each student had a pumpkin for Halloween and a stuffed animal at Christmas time. She wanted to make sure each child felt special and loved.

She held many church callings, one of those being with the special needs mutual, where she made some long lasting friendships. Spending time with and getting to know the youth made her happy and was something she always looked forward to. She was such a great example of kindness and generosity, always willing to help out in any way possible.

Nannette enjoyed baking, reading, camping and taking her grandchildren on road trips to Vernal, Utah to reconnect with family. A visit to Vernal was always quite an adventure and something we all looked forward to. Her lifelong best friend, Elease held a special place in her heart. They met in grade school and remained best friends (and partners in crime) for their whole lives. Together they enjoyed doing almost anything from D.I. shopping, trying new places for lunch or patrolling the neighborhood as part of the “Neighborhood Watch Group”. There were always a lot of laughs when the two of them got together. She enjoyed doing crafts and teaching the grandkids how to crochet. She had quite a love for all animals and at one time mentioned a staggering total of seventy two dogs and cats that she cared for throughout her 59 years of marriage.

Without a doubt, mom’s greatest joy was her family. Getting together for family dinners, birthday celebrations, and holidays was a top priority. Mom always had a great time and a nice visit. Our annual Halloween costume party was a family favorite tradition, where her unique creativity was reflected in the many costumes she created, often winning the first place prize. Mom always had the best ideas and made sure we all had a great time.

Nannette is survived by her loving husband, Joseph and her five children. Danny (Tonia) Starks, Laura (Gary) Earley, Joey (Rebecca) Starks, Kimberly (Glen) Kennedy and Nikell (Brian) Holsten. 22 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Rob Sizemore, Ken Sizemore and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Charles Sizemore and Nellie Mary (Mae) Kloeppel Sizemore and her best friend, Elease Thompson.

Funeral Services will be held for Nannette on Monday March 27, 2023 at 11 AM, located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 1200 West 1121 North. A viewing will be held on that same day from 9 AM until 10:45. After the services, Interment will follow at Memorial Redwood Cemetery.