Alice Mae Starkey

Alice Mae (Wildes) Starkey - 

Alice Mae Starkey of Middleton, Wisconsin, passed away after a brief illness on August 8, 2024, at the age of 94.

Alice was born on her family's hilly wooded dairy farm near Kendall, Wisconsin, in 1930. Alice was the 7th of 9 children of Vincent and Esther Wildes. Life was difficult during the depression, but her family did well because they produced most of their food and had products for market as well. They had no indoor plumbing, electricity, and heated with wood, so Alice learned hard work from an early age. In 1948, she left home and moved to Mauston where she worked in the hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In 1951, she married Roger Starkey of Tomah, Wisconsin. They first lived in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and later moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1960. Alice and Roger had three children: Judy, Steven, and Pamela. She also had a granddaughter, Jaime Nett. 

Alice was active with the Methodist Church for her whole life, teaching Sunday School for many years. The Starkey family was among the five founding families of Asbury Methodist Church in the 1960's. In 1977, after Judy and Steven graduated high school, the family moved to Middleton. Starting in the 1970's, Alice ran a day care for young children in her home for decades, and gave many kids a good start in life. Alice was a good cook and baker, which she continued throughout her life. Alice loved nature, and had a large yard and garden in Middleton, and took long walks every day. She was also an avid bird watcher. Her husband Roger died in 2019 due to an accident. With the support of her children, Alice was able to live in her home and be active until shortly before her death.

Alice is survived by her children: Judy Majeski and Steven Starkey of Madison, and Pamela Nett of Blue Mounds; and granddaughter, Jamie Nett of Madison. She is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth and Carl Wildes. She is preceded in death by both parents, brothers Roy Wildes, Robert Wildes, Bill Wildes, Clarence Wildes, and sister Vivian (Wildes) Michaels. 

A memorial service for Alice will be announced at a later date.