Kris "Katie" Starr Detwiler

Kris “Katie” Starr Detwiler, 82, formerly of Columbus and London, passed into the arms of Jesus Friday evening with her children by her side.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter, she was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church and several of her favorite memories and friendships were made at St. John’s Lutheran School. She was proud of her German heritage and to have grown up on the family farm where she developed her strong work ethic doing chores and loved milking the cows before school. She adored her parents.

She was a legal assistant for Robert Woods in London for nearly 30 years. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and ran several independent businesses including Kris’ Plants and a small home decor business in London several years ago. She was an exceptional cook, gardener, homemaker, and could generally do most anything. She loved target shooting with her dad, her book club, and possessed impeccable style. She could play the piano, guitar, and banjo and loved to dance and sing. She had a happy heart, an infectious laugh, and a priceless sense of humor. She was blessed to have many meaningful and life-long friendships. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She and her husband hosted a Bible study in their home which later grew to become the London Grace Brethren Church. 

Her greatest joy and satisfaction came from raising her children, which she referred to as the best days of her life. She nurtured and adored her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kind, generous spirit and for giving praise and compliments profusely and sincerely to all who were blessed to know her.

Born May 29, 1942 in Marysville, she was the daughter of the late G. Richard and Estella (Blumenschein) Starr. She graduated from Marysville High School in 1960. On their shared birthday of May 29, 1967, she married Phillip Detwiler, and he preceded her in death in 2008. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Delores Henry and her brother, Odell Starr.

She is survived by a son, Matthew (Stefanie) Detwiler of Cincinnati; her daughters, Jill Kelly of Mt. Sterling, and Jody (Danny) Paul of Marysville; grandchildren Sara Detwiler, Owen Detwiler, Renick Kelly, S. Josey Kelly, Wesley Paul, and Fredrick Paul.

In keeping with Kris’ wishes, no calling hours will be observed. Graveside services will be held privately for the family at the Oakdale Cemetery. Pastor Peggy Hoy will officiate. Wilson Funeral Home, Mannasmith Chapel is assisting the family. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church 12809 S.R. 736 Marysville, OH 43040. To send a condolence or share a memory with the family, please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com