Chatsworth – Suellen Starks, 85, of Chatsworth passed away at 6:12 pm, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Cremation services have been carried out and there will be a private family celebration of her life at a later date. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to SELCAS, Fairbury; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Forrest; American Cancer Society; or charity of the donor’s choice.

Mrs. Starks was born October 14, 1940 in Fairbury; the daughter of Louis and Anne (Grankey) Cunningham. She married E. James Starks on June 7, 1959 in Forrest. Her husband, Jim survives in Chatsworth. Her parents, one brother, two sisters, and three grandchildren, Paige Compton, Rachael Williams, and Ryan Stork preceded her in death.

Other survivors include five children, Terri (Rod) Hodges of Forrest; Jamie (Rich) Stork of Forrest; Jeannie (Norm) Wetzel of Strawn; Michelle DeVore of Washington; Cory (Erica) Compton of Fairbury; twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.

Sue graduated from Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School and, before beginning her married life, spent time in Chicago with the Patricia Stevens Modeling Agency. She later devoted herself wholeheartedly to creating a warm and loving home for her family, a role she embraced with grace and dedication throughout her life. Sue’s greatest joy was the time she shared with those she loved most - her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Their gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments together were the center of her life and the source of her deepest happiness.

A faithful follower of Christ, Sue was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Forrest, where her faith guided her life and relationships. She was also known for her remarkable creative gifts. A talented interior decorator and floral arranger, Sue had an eye for beauty and a generous spirit that she shared with others. She thoughtfully arranged flowers for weddings and local events over the years, including the weddings of her own grandchildren - moments made even more special by her loving touch.

An online guestbook to leave messages to the family is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.