Lynn Stark

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mrs. Mary Lynn Stark, 74, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Joplin Gardens following a decline in health.

Lynn entered this life on January 30, 1944, in Joplin, Missouri, to the union of Harold and Irene (West) Bryan. She was a 1961 graduate of Joplin High School.

On March 3, 1973, Lynn was united in marriage to Dennison A. “Denny” Stark and to this union three children were born. She had the privilege of traveling and living in various states and countries while following her husband’s military career, including San Antonio, Texas, Bossier City, Louisiana, and Okinawa Japan.

In 1983, Denny and Lynn retired to Michigan and resided there until 1995 when they moved back to Joplin. She enjoyed serving her community by making blankets and hats for babies and cancer patients. Lynn enjoyed cake decorating and making hand-painted candies. Her life revolved around her family, especially her grandchildren, and Dr. Pepper. Lynn was caring, giving and always loving. She greatly enjoyed listening to the Gaither Vocal Band and Elvis.

Lynn was preceded in death by her father and her husband.

Survivors include her mother, Irene Bryan; her children, Scott Stark and wife, Dani, of Ava, Missouri, Heather Goodnight and husband, Joe, of Neosho, Missouri, and Kirsten Bledsoe and husband, Matt, of Mexico, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, Marissa, Derek, Aren, Jacob, Payton, River, Colony, Ryley, Cooper, Braydn and Keegan; a brother, David Bryan, of Ft. Worth, Texas; brother-in-law, Dan Stark, and wife, Liz, of Fountain, Michigan; sister-in-law, Sharon Stark, of Muskegon, Michigan; several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Stark are 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 18, 2019, in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with Pastor Keith Brumfield officiating. Burial will follow at Ozark memorial Park cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Joplin Heights Baptist Church in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.