Arvetta Maye Starzyk

Funeral service for Arvetta Starzyk will be Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kiowa United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. in Kiowa. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa. Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc. Website: www.lanmanfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to “Attica Long Term Care” through the funeral home.

Arvetta Starzyk was born October 29, 1948, in Anthony, Kansas, to Virgil and Lena (Swafford) Burns and passed away June 14, 2026, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

Arvetta grew up in the Kiowa area and graduated from Kiowa High School with the Class of 1966. Following high school, she attended cosmetology school and spent a number of years cutting hair from her home. Later, she began working at Kiowa Hospital, where she served as Dietary Manager for more than 25 years. She took pride in her work and the many friendships she made throughout her career.

Arvetta married Otto Starzyk, and to this union two children were born, William and Anna. Throughout her life, Arvetta devoted herself to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother/nana, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she faithfully attended their sporting events and activities whenever possible.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, and being involved in her children's lives. Arvetta served as a Scout leader for William and was active in Girl Scouts and 4-H with Anna. She loved helping young people learn and grow and treasured the memories made through those activities.

After Otto's passing, Arvetta and her dear friend Kathy Minor formed what became known as the "Widow Group." Together they traveled near and far, creating many wonderful memories. Arvetta especially enjoyed traveling with Anna and her family and also cherished trips and time spent with William and his family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Lena Burns; her husband, Otto Starzyk; and her sister, Carol Burns.

Arvetta is survived by her sisters, Judy Christy and Welma Bowmaker; her son, William Starzyk and wife, Amy; her daughter, Anna Schurter and husband, Zeb; grandchildren, Joseph Starzyk and wife, Mercedes, Daphne Simpson and husband, Wyatt Sr., Lily Schurter, and Saige Schurter; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Starzyk and Wyatt Simpson Jr.; along with many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.