Joanne (Radkey) Starr

Joanne Starr, 88, of Ashland, Ohio, passed away January 7, 2020 at University Hospital Samaritan Medical Center.  She will be deeply missed by her many family members and friends. 

     Joanne was born in Fostoria, Ohio in 1931 and was the daughter of Charles and Thelma Radkey.  She was an operator for Ohio Bell in Ashland and eventually retired from Verizon in Norwalk, Ohio.  Joanne was an avid Cleveland fan and loved sports, flower gardening, books, history, and playing cards. But most of all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends.  Joanne also loved traveling and exploring new places.   Raised in an Ohio railroad family, she had a passion for trains, particularly the Nickel Plate 765, a Berkshire steam engine first stationed in 1944 in her hometown of Bellevue, Ohio.  In 2013, Joanne was thrilled to ride in a rail car being pulled by the fully restored Nickel Plate 765 as it made its way around the world-famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania.

     Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son Mark (Connie) Starr and her daughter Joie (Jim Rabon) Starr; her sister Norma (Pete) Frisch, and sister Lorna Hickman; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members including Beth (Dave) Ahrendt, Rex (Maggie) Biederman, Jerry (Janet) Biederman, and best friend Janet Garretson. 

     Joanne was preceded in death by her son Rick, and daughter Kim, sister Charlene Sall, and life partner Don Biederman. 

     In keeping with her wishes, a private family graveside service will be held at Ashland Cemetery.

    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society or St. Joseph’s Indian School (South Dakota).

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