Vera Starish

Vera Fiodor Starish, 85, of Fruitland died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, at her daughter's home in Fruitland.

She was born Sept. 3, 1925, near Stalingrad, Russia, a daughter to Fiodor and Maria Diachenko Kozadubova. She married Denis Starish in 1952. He died June 2, 1994.

Vera taught at a state school 37 years. She was decorated for being a defender of Stalingrad during World War II against the German invasion.

Survivors include two daughters, Svetlana Stacy of Cape Girardeau and Luda (Glenn) Stacy of Fruitland; a granddaughter, Marina; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Alexandra and Raisa; and a grandson, Denis Ivanov.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson. A prayer service will be at 9:45.

The service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Fruitland. The Rev. David Hulshof will officiate.