Paula Rose Starkey Duerden's Obituary
Paula Rose Starkey Duerden, 64, of Orem, Utah, passed away on July 2, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. She fought hard and still wanted to live on to see her grandchildren grow up, but she was called home by her sweet husband and God. She was surrounded by family and friends and knew she was loved and cherished.
Paula was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Paul E Starkey and Shirley MacAtee on August 23, 1958. She was Daddy’s girl who was strong and caring to all she met. Paula grew up as the baby of her family and had a big sister, Kathryn. Paula’s father worked in management for the GC Murphy company, so she lived in many states throughout her childhood, Ohio and Texas being the two that stood out most. Her family finally relocated to the family’s home state of West Virginia. She loved to sing and was part of her school’s Acapella Choir. She also loved horses and show riding. Her horse was named Dandy. He was a grandson of a triple crown winner, and they had a strong bond and took care of each other. She grew up fiercely in a place she loved, but also wished to get away from.
On her 18th Birthday she flew out to go to College at BYU. She became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and believed in God and Christ with all her heart. Also, during her time at BYU, she met the love of her life, Paul Duerden. She didn’t date him at first, because he was just a friend and one of her other friends was interested in him. Obviously, that didn’t take, and they found that they were meant to be. On August 10, 1978, they were married and sealed for eternity. Nine months and three days later their daughter Pepper arrived and then they had two more beautiful girls, Crystal and Brandi. Paula then left BYU to get Paul through and take care of her family. She was the best mother anyone could ask her to be.
Paul and Paula were and are the epitome of the perfect couple. They complete each other so perfectly and set such a beautiful example for all who met them. Their favorite past time was to hold each other’s hand and fall asleep together. This is probably why her dear husband could not be without her, even in death. They were together on earth for 44 beautiful years and are now together again for eternity.
Paula had so many jobs throughout her life and wore so many hats. She was Paul’s confidant and advisor throughout his career. She loved hosting all the artists he brought in. She also loved being a second mother to the many students who passed through Paul’s office through the years. She was also very gifted with numbers and decided to do taxes to earn extra money to go on fun family vacations. She had many wonderful people that she was able to help and work with every year. She loved all her clients, who really became close friends and would always help people who asked how to work their finances and be better people.
Paula’s most important job in life was being a homemaker and a good mother. She always put Pepper, Crystal, and Brandi first. She loved them with her whole heart and gave all of herself to making sure they were happy, healthy, and loved. As the years went on, she was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren: Jayden, Jessica, Elsie, and Braxton. They became her pride and joy, and she loved being a grandmother. She especially loved to take all the girls and grandchildren to Disney. It was a yearly pilgrimage for the family. After Paul passed, she made sure that the grandkids got to go to Disneyland and see all the things grandma and grandpa loved. That is a tradition begun by two loving parents that will be carried on in the years to come.
Paula’s legacy will continue with her children Pepper Duerden, Crystal Duerden, and Brandi (Beau) Bowden and with her grandchildren Jayden Parry, Jessica Johnson, Elsie Bowden, and Braxton Bowden. She is also survived by her loving big sister Kathryn Starkey. She will be carried in the hearts of every one of them.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday July 13, 2023, at 12:00 pm and visitation prior to the service at 11- 11:30 am at the Orem Canyon View Stake Center at 575 E 800 N in Orem, UT. It is the building on the north side of the road. Friends and family are also welcome at a visitation on Wednesday July 12, 2023, from 6-8 pm at the same address. Internment will be held at the Orem City Cemetery.
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