Esther Irene Davis Starbuck

RICHMOND, Ind. - Esther Irene Davis Starbuck, age 93, died peacefully on September 14, 2014, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born February 26, 1921, in Union City, Indiana, she was the fifth of 10 children born to Anderson and Edith Cantrell Davis. Esther was a graduate of Union City High School and attended Muncie Business College before joining the Women's Army Air Corps (WAAC) in 1942. She was a World War II veteran, based at Marana Army Air Field in Tucson, Arizona. As one of only two female flight instructors, she trained more than one thousand future pilots in the classroom on a Link Trainer and in a BT-13 basic training plane. Esther served as the Grand Marshal of the 2011 Veteran's Day Parade and her portrait is etched on the Women's Monument in the Wayne County Veteran's Memorial Park. Following the war and marriage to Glen Starbuck, she earned a Bachelor's degree from Earlham College and a Master's degree from Ball State University, both in elementary education. She taught 27 years in Richmond Community Schools, most of them at Crestdale Elementary School, before retiring in 1983. She was an active member of Central United Methodist Church. Esther also belonged to American Association of University Women, Wayne County Association of Retired Teachers, Sigma Delta Pi Sorority, and the Women's Club, having held offices in each of them. She was a long-time volunteer at Reid Hospital, Starr Elementary School, and the Boys and Girls Club after-school tutoring program. She published several books, including a book of poetry, a history of Methodism in Wayne County and a trilogy of novels based on the history of Norwegian ancestry of the Starbuck family. Esther is survived by her husband of 68 years, Glen Starbuck; two daughters, Sandra (Gene Thompson) McConnell of South Carolina and Shirley (Larry) Pippin of Richmond; one son, Scott (Carol) Starbuck of Richmond; six grandchildren, Brian (Gina) McConnell, Sheri (Paul Thoren) Pippin, Brett (Carly) McConnell, Matt (Nicole) Pippin, Samantha Starbuck, and Steve Starbuck; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirma Pence of Greenville, Ohio; nieces; and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and four sisters. The family wishes to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the nursing staff, caregivers, and other employees of Friends Fellowship Community for their compassionate care of our mother. We would also like to offer a special thank you to our family friend and caregiver to our mother, Annie Stewart. Visitation for Esther Irene Starbuck will be from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2014, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Rev. Kerry O'Brien and Rev. Charlie Black officiating. Burial will be in Buena Vista Cemetery, Farmland, Indiana, with military honors provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne County Veterans Council, 401 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374; Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374; or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Esther Irene Davis Starbuck

February 26, 1921 - September 14, 2014