Tracey Starks, 41, loving mother, wife, daughter and sister died July 20, 2004 Tuesday at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday at Kerley Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, with Prayers recited at 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was a member. Entombment will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens in the Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, Hospice At Home, or Berrien County Cancer Service. Friends wishing to send condolences may do so at the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com

Tracey was born January 15, 1963 in Buffalo, New York, to Roger & Barbara (Sodus) Spencer. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1981, attended the University of Denver and graduated from the University of Colorado in 1985. On September 8, 1989 she married Thomas L. Starks at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

During her life she enjoyed many different careers. She was an American Express Financial Advisor, Real Estate Agent, Licensed Insurance Agent and proprietor of My Sister's Sister Boutique in St. Joseph. Prior to her illness she worked with her husband at the family business 'Starks & Menchinger.'

She was a member of the Women's Service League, Chemosabe cancer support group, the St. Joseph River Yacht Club, and also co-chaired the Holly Market. She loved hanging out with her sister Laura, watching Friends and CSI, movies, shopping, bowling, golfing, and coffee at Tosi's Caf with her friends. Her talent for decorating was evident after the new Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home was built.

Her greatest gifts to the family are her beautiful children Olivia and Laura. She loved her husband, children, sister, stepbrothers and family more than anything on this earth.