Shelby M. Starling

Shelby Mae (Blinston) Starling passed away peacefully at Hillview Nursing Home in La Crosse, WI on October 29, 2024 at the age of 85. Her loving husband was by her side during her entire journey. She expressed her gratitude for her long life, grace of God, and love of her family, right up until the very end.

Shelby was born in Sparta, on Monday January 30, 1939, to Delbert and Mabel (Meincke) Blinston. She was the oldest of three children. Growing up on a farm in rural Monroe County, Shelby had lots of stories about farm life. She spoke often of daily shenanigans her younger brother Wayne would conduct, and all of the games she would play with her little sister, Patricia. She also loved all the animals on the farm. So much that she would try to intervene on the days that her Dad was scheduled to send anything out to market. Shelby would “accidentally” leave the gate open, or door unlatched, with hopes the beloved livestock would escape and be free to live another day. She also learned gardening, canning, cooking, baking, and sewing, amongst many other talents while she was young. Shelby could bake anything, but pies were what everyone knew they could depend on her for. Cookies came in at a close second. Some would say this was her passion, but her true passion was her two granddaughters, Leeah and Morgan. She loved both so dearly.

Shelby married the love of her life, U.S. Army SSG Marion “Mac” Starling, on July 2, 1962 in Winona, MN. Mac was stationed at Fort McCoy, WI. We all suspect she couldn’t resist Mac in his military uniform. A couple months after their union, the newlyweds moved to Colorado Springs, CO due to Mac being reassigned to Fort Carson. From there, they moved with the Army to Texas, Virginia, and Germany. Eventually, moving back to Shelby’s beloved hometown of Sparta, WI. Shelby had one son, James, who was born on a cold January afternoon, and she adored him with all of her heart. She loved being a mom!

Shelby was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Mabel Blinston; brother, Wayne Blinston; and brother-in-law, Dennis Connor.

She is survived by her husband, Mac Starling; son, James (Emily) Starling; sister, Patricia Connor; sister-in-law, Rebecca Blinston; granddaughters, Leeah and Morgan Starling; nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Private family graveside services will be held at a later time in Cataract Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

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