Ailene Starkey
Ailene Starkey
Ailene (Long) Starkey was born January 5, 1925, to John and Jettie (Crosby) Long in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. Known lovingly as “Granny” to her grandchildren, she spent her childhood on a farm, learning the value of hard work alongside her family. When the family made trips to town, they traveled by buckboard wagon—memories that stayed with her throughout her life. Ailene attended school at Oriental and Plainview Public Schools.
Ailene married Sam Starkey and together they were blessed with three children: June, Betty, and Gary. Their marriage also brought three sons of the heart—Doyle, Carl, and Eddie. Never afraid of hard work, Ailene labored in the crop fields alongside Sam to provide for her family. After long days in the fields, she would return home to prepare meals with love and care. Later, she took a job at the local sewing factory, where she sewed pants for many years before retiring. But retirement didn’t slow her down—Ailene went on to work as a cook at Reabold Manor Care Center, serving others with dedication and warmth well into her 80s.
Ailene’s greatest joy came from sharing her faith in God through music. Family members hold countless cherished memories of her playing the piano and inviting everyone to sing along. That unmistakable sound of her music still brings joy and comfort today. Having learned to play the piano and guitar at a young age, she would sing and play whenever asked; leading singings at numerous churches, entertaining residents at nursing homes, and hosting gatherings at her retirement community. Her love for the Lord and her passion for praising Him touched all who had the privilege of hearing her.
Her other ministry was through cooking. Ailene was famous for her beans, hot rolls, and, of course, her sweet tea. Weekends meant generous family meals made from the heart; no one ever left her home hungry. At singings, she prepared meals that brought people together, creating spaces where food and faith met, nourishing both body and soul. Ailene’s legacy will live on forever through her unconditional love for God and family, inspiring generations with her devotion, music, and kindness.
She is survived by her children June Starkey and Betty Fisher of Okemah, and Eddie Starkey (Betty) of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Kevin Reddick, Debbie Morrison, Misty Lusk (Scott), Jennifer Zackery (Steven), Mark Starkey (Becky), Martha Starkey (Todd), Mara Starkey, Jinna Westcott (Cody), Eric Starkey (Karrie), Kent Starkey (April) Jeff Starkey (Margie), Jimmy Starkey (Kim), Jason Starkey (Brittany),Amy Whitlock(James), and Lori Jone(Chad); 34 great-grandchildren; and 22great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, & friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Cloise Sue Cole, Verda Lee Long, Loise Gilbreth, Lizzie May Starkey, 3 infant sisters & Harold Long; sons Gary, Doyle, and Carl Starkey; sons in law Roger Reddick and Charles Fisher; grandchildren Robert Lee Ott and Mary Starkey; and 4 great grandchildren.
Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, Oklahoma.
