Republic – Kelly Jean Starkey, age 52, of 9068 Highway M-95, Republic passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at her home in Republic.

Kelly was born July 14, 1965 in Ishpeming the daughter of Carol J. (Skogman) and Richard W. Nicholas.  She was a lifelong Republic resident and a graduate of the Republic – Michigamme High School, Class of 1983.  Kelly was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic.

Kelly worked for several years for the Commission on Aging in the Republic Area providing services to the elderly.  She also served as a caregiver and worked at the Cedar Hurst Lodge.  Kelly loved the outdoors especially when she was riding her motorcycle, 4-wheeling, on her Kayak or just messing around with her pets.

Survivors include her husband Roger Starkey, son Travis Starkey, parents Carol and Richard Nicholas, sister Tammy (Mark) Kaminen, mother-in-law Lillian Starkey all of Republic, nieces Taylor and Rachel Kaminen along with numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins, aunts and uncles – Margery Giachino, Beverly Evans, Kenneth and Kristine Nicholas and Robert and Dorothy Dickey, sisters-in-law Ellie Pitcher and Debbie Swinea, and numerous special friends including Cheri, Lynette, Diane, Carla, Sherry and Diana.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents – Elhart and Ellen Skogman & William and Irma Nicholas.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 3 until 5pm on Wednesday August 16, 2017 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic.  Funeral services will follow at 5:00pm on Wednesday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate.  A luncheon will follow in the church hall.  Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mike Kolassa, Kevin Warlin, Robert Martin, Brandon Evans, Jeff Nicholas and Chuck Hurst.

Kelly's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .