Mary Jane Starner, 75, died at her home, surrounded by family on March 9, 1996, following a short illness.

Born in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 25, 1920, to Fred and Ella King. Mary Jane grew up in the Sheridan, Wyo., area and on a ranch in Otter Creek. She worked as a secretary in California, Alaska and the Nurnberg Trials in Germany. More recently, she was a secretary for the Yellowstone County Extension Service.

She married Fred E. Starner of Billings in 1951. They had two daughters, Kathy and Linda. Fred preceded her in death in 1985.

Mary Jane enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, walking with friends, and beating everyone at Wheel of Fortune. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

A member of a birthday club and a home demonstration club, Mary Jane gave generously of her time as she delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce. She particularly enjoyed dressing a child at Christmas through the Salvation Army. She also loved opening her home to friends who came to Billings for medical care. These same friends and family shared their time, memories and appreciation for her during her brief illness. Mary Jane will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Survivors include her daughters, Kathy Baumann and her husband Bill of Rosemount, Minn., and their children Jeremiah, Elisabeth and Mariah, and Linda Cunningham and her husband, Patrick and their two children, Katelyn and Charley, all of Glendive. She also leaves a sister, Lula Hoban of Northfield. Minn.; a special niece, Dorothy King of Olive: a much-loved sister-in-law, Joy Turner of East Granby, Conn., and a wonderful friend and neighbor, Mabel Dolan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Sky Hospice.

The Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Neuhardt Funeral Home, with a reception following the service.

The Billings Gazette - March 11, 1996.