DODGE CITY - Dora Lee Starks, 90, of Dodge City passed away Friday, February 16, 2018. Dora Lee was born July 15, 1927 to Ferdinand and Isabella Niedenthal in rural Russell County, Kansas.

Dora Lee was a graduate of the University of Nebraska School of Music, was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and long-time member of PEO. Dora Lee was a school teacher at Miller Elementary School in her early years in Dodge City. She was a talented singer, organist, and pianist and played the organ for many wedding ceremonies, funerals and church services in Dodge City. She loved playing piano for many of her sons' elementary school music programs.

On September 8, 1949, Dora Lee married William M. (Bill) Starks and always travelled with her husband and sons to their trapshooting events. She was a loving wife and mother.

Dora Lee was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill Starks, brothers Gary and Rev. Morris Niedenthal, a sister, Judy Niedenthal, and a son, Kirk Starks. Survivors include sons Greg and wife Jan Starks of Dodge City, Jon and wife Kathy Starks of Salina, daughter-in-law Judy Starks of Corinth, TX, grandchildren Lyndsay Guhr and husband Les of Hesston, KS, Matt Starks and wife Laura of Colorado Springs, CO, Julie Starks of Peabody, KS, Shane Warren and wife Kara of Hutchinson, KS, Sam Starks of Lawrence, KS, Anna Starks of Kansas City, MO, and William Starks of Woodland Park, CO. She had eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 210 Soule Street in Dodge City on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. The family encourages friends to visit in the Fellowship Hall at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.  A private burial will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City.  A memorial fund has been established in her name at the First United Methodist Church. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.