Obituary of
Walter, Elizabeth "Libby" Starkey
Elizabeth “Libby” Starkey Walter of Farmers Branch, Texas passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 after a brief illness. Libby was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on July 7, 1942 to Carleton and Marie (Constantin) Starkey and moved to Lubbock at an early age where she lived until adulthood. Following graduation from Lubbock High School in 1960 where she played tennis, she matriculated at the University of Dallas, a school founded in part by her uncle Eugene Constantin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 1964. Libby taught in the Dallas Independent School District and at St. Thomas Aquinas and Mary Immaculate parochial schools. She also worked as an assistant librarian at Cistercian Preparatory School.
On July 18, 1964, Libby married the love of her life Rodney John Walter whom she met at the University of Dallas. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this year. Together they raised three sons, Rodney John Jr. (Rod), Matthew Pierre (Matt) and William Dynes (Bill) in their family home on Rawhide Parkway in Farmers Branch, Texas. They also enjoyed spending summers at the family ranch outside of Watrous, New Mexico.
Libby was a devout Catholic and life-long member of Mary Immaculate parish for 52 years where she sponsored candidates in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and served as the president of the parish council, a Eucharistic minister, and as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She also taught religious education classes for preschoolers, volunteered to provide food for funeral masses and was a member of a weekly rosary prayer group at the parish. She and Rodney were members of the St. Francis of Assisi family guild for many years along with some of their closest friends from church.
Libby is survived by her husband Rodney, sons Rod (Paulette) and Matt (Paula), four grandchildren, Maria, John Patrick, Thomas and Molly, and brothers Carleton (Bonnie) Starkey and Pierre (Maria) Starkey. She was predeceased by her parents, Carleton and Marie Starkey, sisters Cynthia Starkey and Amelie Starkey, and her son Bill.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Parkway, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 and will begin with a rosary at 2:15pm, followed by visitation at 2:30pm, and a Funeral Mass at 3pm. A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Catholic Relief Services, the Walter Family Scholarship Fund at Cistercian Preparatory School, or a charity of your choice.
Libby’s family would like to give special thanks to those who provided such wonderful and loving care to her over these last few months, especially the staff at Carepath Hospice and at Brookhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation, numerous friends from Mary Immaculate, Jennifer Walter Clark and family, Diem King and family, and Tinh and Henry Van.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Walter, Elizabeth "Libby" Starkey
I am so sorry for your loss. While I never met Mrs. Walter, I was a friend of Matt’s and I know she must have been a wonderful woman. I am in prayer for the entire family as you go through this sad time.
Sharon Wolfe
Thursday October 13, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. While I never met Mrs. Walter, I was a friend of Matt's and I know she must have been a wonderful woman. I am in prayer for the entire family as you go through this sad time.
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Walter’s passing. As a former next door neighbor she had an impact on my life much like Mr. Walter. She was very special to me. I pray for all the family during this time.
Greg Young
Thursday October 13, 2022
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Walter's passing. As a former next door neighbor she had an impact on my life much like Mr. Walter. She was very special to me. I pray for all the family during this time.
Libby and I, along with another Lubbock High friend, the late Sarah McCarty, were together on 28th Street in Lubbock from early elementary school years. We were friends all the way through graduation in 1960. The Starkey family has been a part of the Henry family for many years. Libby was a great friend. Alan Henry
Alan Henry
Thursday October 13, 2022
Libby and I, along with another Lubbock High friend, the late Sarah McCarty, were together on 28th Street in Lubbock from early elementary school years. We were friends all the way through graduation in 1960. The Starkey family has been a part of the Henry family for many years. Libby was a great friend. Alan Henry
To the Libby Walter Family:
Our sincere sympathy and prayers for all. We celebrate that you were our neighbors for so many years and that we were privileged to attend the 50th wedding anniversary party.
Love to all.
Jerry and Pam Hahn
Thursday October 13, 2022
To the Libby Walter Family:
Our sincere sympathy and prayers for all. We celebrate that you were our neighbors for so many years and that we were privileged to attend the 50th wedding anniversary party.
Love to all.
So many memories, our hearts go out for you & yours.♥️ Phil & Becky
Phil & Becky Ryan
Thursday October 13, 2022
So many memories, our hearts go out for you & yours.♥️ Phil & Becky
To Libby’s family,
Lib and Mary Leonard, Susan Hill Clayton and I were almost inseparable in High School. For some reason we called ourselves the 4 Eggheads. We had so much fun at church functions and going around town and sleepovers.
Lib was a very sweet and kind person. I know she will be greatly missed by everyone.
Pat Eakins-Cook
Pat Eakins-Cook
Thursday October 13, 2022
To Libby's family,
Lib and Mary Leonard, Susan Hill Clayton and I were almost inseparable in High School. For some reason we called ourselves the 4 Eggheads. We had so much fun at church functions and going around town and sleepovers.
Lib was a very sweet and kind person. I know she will be greatly missed by everyone.
Pat Eakins-Cook
Matt, my prayers are with you as you adjust to your mother’s new life in Christ.
Deacon Dick Bowles
Thursday October 13, 2022
Matt, my prayers are with you as you adjust to your mother's new life in Christ.