H. Alice Starks peacefully passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 at her home in Mason, Texas, at the age of 85. Alice was born October 12, 1930 to Louis and Lillian Mertz Pyka in Fredericksburg, Texas.
She is survived by Tommy Starks, her husband of 59 years; her son, Ray Starks and wife, Cynthia, of Mason, and their children Audrey and Dylan; her daughter, Nancy Starks Aycock and husband, Bill, of Corinth, and their son John; and sister, Cecile Sobotik, and husband W. R. of Fredericksburg. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Lillian Pyka, and her brother, Herbert Pyka.
Following graduation from St. Mary's High School in Fredericksburg, Alice attended Southwest Texas Teacher's College, now known as Texas State University in San Marcos, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Kerrville ISD for two years. Upon marriage to Tommy Starks, Alice moved to Mason and taught elementary school in Mason ISD until her retirement. Together, she and Tommy raised two children, Ray and Nancy. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, Alice was well known for her excellent cooking, meticulous home care and positive influence on her students. In recent years, she spent many hours feeding and watching her beloved humming birds. Please feed them in her honor. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and well-remembered by her students.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 6, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran church with Rev. Mike Ensrude leading the service. Interment will follow in the Gooch Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Dylan Starks, Dr. Glen Ruthven, Glen Nebgen, Bill Aycock, Jerry Bearden an d Kirby Groves. Honorary pallbearers are John Aycock and Audrey Starks .

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at masonfuneralhome.net.

Memorials in her honor may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Mason County Cancer Benefit.