Ralph J. Starkey, Jr., age 90 of Elwood, died October 12, 2012 at the home of his son in South Bend following a recent fall. He was born February 28, 1922 in Hollywood, CA the son of Ralph J. (Sr.) and Dorothy (Bayor) Starkey. He was a jeweler and owner of Rhodes Jewelers in Tipton where he managed the store for over 40 years and retired in 1985. He was a 1940 graduate of Elwood High School and later attended Central Normal College and Bradley Watchmaking School. Ralph served his country as a trainer in the United States Air Force during World War II. He married Betty E. Rhodes on June 15, 1946. He was a devoted member of the East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood and was a longtime member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, the American Legion, the Quincy Masonic Lodge, and Scottish Rite. Ralph was well-known for his kind heart and generous philanthropy to his local community. He was a member of the Seton Society of St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation and was a recipient of the Soaring Dove Award in 2009. Ralph was honored to have the Ralph & Betty Starkey Sleep Lab named after him in May of 2010 following generous support toward the opening of the facility. He was a major contributor to the Madison County Scholarship Foundation which initiated the Betty E. Starkey Memorial Scholarship and he was also an avid supporter of the Morrisett Center in Elwood. Ralph formerly enjoyed playing golf, and enjoyed woodworking in later years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include 2 sons, Jeffrey A. Starkey of South Bend, and Bruce K. Starkey of Stoughton, WI; and 2 grandchildren, Carl Starkey and Lydia Starkey. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 57 years who died March 13, 2004, Betty E. (Rhodes) Starkey.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum with Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Military and the Elwood V.F.W. honor guard. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 PM Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at the funeral home, and will include a Masonic Memorial Service at 6:00 PM. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation or the Elwood Morrisett Center through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the Starkey family at www.copherfeslermay.com.