Amy Joy Starnes

Amy Joy (Anderson) Starnes, the daughter of Carl and Jeanne (Olson) Anderson, was born September 4, 1972, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She passed away Monday, July 4, 2016, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 43.

She received her education in the Ringsted/Armstrong Schools, graduated from high school in 1990 and became a CNA. Following her graduation Amy attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, IA, where she obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse degree and later earned her Registered Nurse degree.

After meeting one time, Amy wrote a letter to Steve while stationed in Germany. She took a chance and asked if he would be interested in dating. They dated for 3 years, two of which were long distance. She visited him overseas to celebrate his promotion to sergeant and meet his military family. From this she would learn a love to travel to faraway lands like the hills of Kentucky and Missouri, and learned to love exotic foods like Kansas City BBQ.

On March 20, 2002, Amy was united in marriage to Steven Paul Starnes at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ringsted. The couple made their home in Ringsted, Iowa where they began raising their family. As a nurse, Amy was employed in various facilities throughout the region. Her career first began at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg, Fairmont Hospital, Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong and Avera Holy Family Home Health/Hospice in Estherville. She was thrilled to have been offered and accepted, in March, a Case Manager position. In her leisure time, Amy enjoyed both flower and vegetable gardening, the Iowa Hawkeyes, doing home improvement projects, at times to Steve’s chagrin. She enjoyed all things Betty Boop themed, collecting dolls and experimenting in the kitchen, as well as canning. She loved to laugh and wore a smile through her life’s journey. Amy's greatest pleasure in life was spending time with her family which she balanced as a caregiver to anyone in need. She lived out her life in service to others.

Amy was a past member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ringsted where she was confirmed and saved. She currently is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ringsted.

Left to cherish Amy's memory are her husband, Steve of Ringsted; her children, Chalder, Ashleigh and Traecer. She was a step-mother “My Amy” to Taylor Osban and a proud Grandmother to Presley Osban. Also left to cherish her memory are siblings, Michael Anderson (Maureen) of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Timothy Anderson (Hope) of Ringsted, Iowa; Nathan Anderson (Lisa) of Lake City, Minnesota; Sara Anderson of Blue Springs, Missouri; Beth Flores (Melchor) of Fort Dodge; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. She endeared by all who knew her or were cared for by her.

Amy has been preceded in death by her parents.