Richard Starry obituary

Starry, Richard (Dick) Rhodes – Entered into rest July 9. 2025 peacefully at Hospice House in Spokane after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Dick was born on October 26, 1929 to Walter and Irma (Rhodes) Starry in Yakima, Washington and spent his early life in nearby Kinzua, Oregon, where his father worked for a local lumber company. The family moved to Spokane in 1931, where Dick would spend the rest of his life. He had two siblings, older sister Jean (Benadom) and younger brother Robert.

As a boy he learned to play the French horn and participated in local music clubs as well at the school band at North Central High School, graduating in 1947. He then attended Washington State College in Pullman, where he pledged to the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Dick left college before graduating to begin a career with Old National Bank. His early work took him to Reardan before returning to Spokane, where he managed the Lincoln Heights and then Garland branches. In 1969 he transferred to the main office, ultimately becoming a Credit Analyst and Executive Vice President before retiring in 1988. Never one to leave a goal unfinished, Dick returned to his studies after retirement, earning his long sought-after Bachelor's Degree from Washington State University in 2001.

An avid sports enthusiast, Dick participated in local softball and bowling leagues, and his golf foursome with co-workers spent most summer Saturdays on one of the Spokane courses. After retirement, he became a member of the Spokane Lawn Bowling Club. A proud Cougar for life, he was a longstanding member of the Spokane Cougar Coffee Club, Cougar Athletic Fund supporter and held WSU football season tickets for decades, rarely missing a home game and always cheering on his Cougs with passion.

In 1950, Dick met Virginia F. Rupp and they were wed on May 1, 1954. The couple marked their 71st wedding anniversary in 2025.

Dick is survived by his wife, Virginia; their three children, Linda K. Starry of Tempe Az.; Diane M. (Matt) Concie of Spokane; and David R. (Michelle) Starry of Spokane; as well as four grandchildren, Brianna, Margaret, Austin and Michael, and one great grandchild, Rhodes.

Dick was a caring father and grandfather who took much pride and joy in his family's achievements. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A private service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery on July 26, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Spokane who provided comfort and care to Dick and his family.