Katrene Diane Starling, age 80, of Tecumseh, Michigan passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born November 23, 1944, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Katrene was the daughter of Albert Erwin and Vera Katrene (Boyce) Gall. On June 22, 1963, she married Robert Lynn Starling, Jr. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Saline, Michigan. Together they raised two daughters and enjoyed 62 years of marriage.
An artist at heart, Katrene’s passion for creating beauty began at an early age with her love for sewing, crafting, gardening and entertaining. She was often thinking of others and making a special gift or writing a note to encourage and express her fondness. She loved to create settings for her loved ones and friends to share in stories, laughter and celebration. Her legacy of love and creating beauty will continue in those who were touched by her loving heart, immense kindness and gracious spirit.
Katrene began her career as a hair stylist putting herself through cosmetology school before finishing high school. She later moved into home décor and gift sales and merchandising in which she flourished, and her talent was evident. Katrene was committed to community service as well and held several leadership roles within Washtenaw County 4-H, the Saline Community Fair and the Former Miss Saline Association – among others – and earned the Michigan Fair Association Heritage Award for Volunteer Services. She was crowned Miss Saline in 1962 and led and organized the Miss Saline Pageant for 25 years. Of utmost importance to her was using her talents and leadership skills to edify others and enhance her community. She attended St. James United Church of Christ in Saline where she sang in the choir while her girls were young.
To cherish her memory, Katrene leaves her loving husband, Bob; two daughters: DeeDe (Scott) Bormann and Stacey Starling (Henry Boutros); four grandchildren: Kate (Drew) Ladd, Kari (Zech) Hintz, Drew (Riley) Bormann and Jordan Wheatley (James Rowe); six great grandchildren: Landon, Annie and Caroline Ladd, Eliza and Barret Hintz, and Logan Rowe; a sister: Beverly Ackmoody; four brothers: Fred (Susan) Gall, Edwin (Sally) Gall, Wesley (Kathy) Gall, and Leon Gall; four sisters-in-law: Sharon Heft, Susan Starling, Debbie Starling, and Nancy (Wayne Ross) Starling; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Katrene was preceded in death by her in-laws, Robert L. and Helen Starling, Sr.; brothers-in-law: Robert Heft, Bill Starling, and Jack Starling; and two nephews: Timothy and Mark Heft.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive family and friends at the visitation, September 5th from 4-7 pm and September 6th from 10-11 am, followed by a celebration of life at Marry Funeral Home in Tecumseh, Michigan on September 6th at 11 am.
Friends may express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee and Saline Community Fair.