Starr E. Lutz

STARR E. LUTZ Gates, Oregon September 24, 1953 January 23, 2015 On the evening of January 23, 2015 Starr Elaine Lutz passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack. She was 61 years old. Starr was born in the town of Port Clinton, Ohio on September 24, 1953. She was the sixth child of Virginia and Trathferd Eshelman. On March 31, 1973 Starr married her best friend, Troy William Lutz, in Arizona. They would have celebrated 42 years of marriage this March. They moved to California, and on February 11, 1974, they welcomed a son, Donald Ammon Lutz. Starr and Troy moved to Oregon in 1979. The Santiam, North Fork area has been their home for nearly 35 years. In addition to raising a son, Starr became a foster parent and foster retention specialist, over a span of 17 years Starr and Troy opened their home to change the lives of over 138 Foster children. She was known for her tough love and strong demeanor. It was often said “Starr is the toughest man I know”. In recent years Starr could be found pouring her heart and hard work into Giovanni Mountain Pizza, a local pizza parlor. She was a mentor who challenged those around her to be their best. She was an unapologetic conservative christian woman. She will be sorely missed. Starr is survived by her husband, Troy; her son, Ammon and his wife Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Benjamin, Walker and Aida; and by her brothers, Skip, Mark, Aric and Zach. A service will be held at the Gates Fire Hall at 4:00 p.m. on February 7, 2015. The family gratefully accepts donations, prayers, condolences, and memories. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, Oregon.