She was born December 10, 1925, in Preston, Idaho, to Edward Leroy Maughan and Loretta Ann Wilson Maughan. She was raised in a home surrounded by loving parents, 3 sisters and 1 brother. She grew up and attended school in Preston and in 1943, she graduated from Preston High School and began working for Mountain Bell. Mary Lou held many positions while working for Mountain Bell in Preston, Boise and Pocatello before her retirement in February, 1978.

Mary Lou met and married Forrest B. Larsen in September, 1946. They moved to Boise in 1951 where they raised their two sons, Kelly and Keith. Mary Lou & Forrest later divorced. On December 27, 1975, she married Donald B. Starkey, her soul mate and the love of her life. During her life with Don, she learned to love golfing, camping and Boise State Bronco football. One of her greatest joys was watching Boise State beat Oklahoma State this winter. In April, 1976, they moved from Boise to Pocatello. When Don retired in 1984, they moved back to Boise to be close to children and grandchildren. Almost one year ago, they moved to Idaho Falls to Fairwinds Retirement Center where they enjoyed visits and outings with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Survivors include her husband, Donald B. Starkey; sons, Kelly (Mac) Larsen of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Keith Larsen of Las Vegas, Nevada; stepdaughters; Janet (Burt) Starkey Smith of Boise, Idaho, and Cindy (Steve) Starkey Mesko of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; stepson, Larry (Janet) Starkey, of San Antonio, Texas; brother, Edward "Bud" (Pat) Maughan; sister, Lucile Stanger; grandchildren: Kyle (Gina) Larsen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kevin Larsen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kendra (Kevin) Larsen Smith of Pocatello, Idaho, Melissa (Rob) Smith Vian, Brian Smith of Boise, Idaho, Paul Mesko of San Luis Obispo, California, and Rachel Mesko of Bellingham, Washington; six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, K. J., and sisters, Virginia Scott and Dorothy Mendenhall.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2007, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with Bishop Tadd Jenkins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the mortuary. Interment will be at 12 Noon, Monday, April 16, 2007, at Dry Creek Cemetery, in Boise, Idaho.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.