Charlotte Observer (online edition)
Charlotte, NC

October 12, 2005


Ruth Lake Starling
'Lee'
Mrs. Starling, 79, of Charlotte, passed away at Carolinas Medical
Center-University on October 11, 2005. She was born on July 31, 1926 to
Raymond Ray and Mary Magdalene Lake. In addition to her parents, she is
preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, George B. Starling,
and 2 brothers.  Mrs. Starling was a woman who loved life. She enjoyed
activities with her friends, and traveling. She was an animal lover, who
provided a loving home for many pets including Buddy, the Bassett hound,
she shared with her son. She enjoyed making ceramics, and made angels
for many of her friends. She was a loving mother and a devoted wife. Mrs.
Starling was a member of the Derita Chapter of the Eastern Star, as well
as a Girl Scout leader for many years. She was a member of Cole Memorial
United Methodist Church, and was a long time member of the Bullard
Sunday School Class.  She is survived by her children, Melinda Starling
Lewis and husband, Charlie, of Charlotte, MaryRae Starling Carter and
husband, Steve, of Simpsonville, SC, and Richard Starling of Charlotte.
A service to celebrate her life will be held 2 o'clock in the afternoon
on Friday, October 14, 2005 at Cole Memorial United Methodist Church,
with the Reverends Greg Freeman and Patience Brumley officiating.
Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. The family will
receive friends Thursday evening from 6-7:30 PM at the funeral home.
Mrs. Starling's children would like to thank the many friends, medical
personnel, and hospice staff for their prayers, care and expressions of
friendship during their mother's illness.  In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be made to Cole Memorial United Methodist Church. PO Box
26066, Charlotte, NC 28221, to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman,
1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204, or to the Humane Society of
Charlotte, PO Box 221028, Charlotte, NC 28222.  Arrangements by McEwen
Funeral Service-Derita Chapel.