Ella Starks

Ella L. Starks

August 31, 1932 – January 21, 2025

Fort Montgomery, NY

Ella L. Starks of Fort Montgomery, NY passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. She was 92 years old. Daughter of the late Willi and Luise Griemsmann, she was born in Germany on August 31, 1932.

Ella Lotte Griemsmann was born and raised in a thatched roof house, on a farm in rural northern Germany, where she spent her childhood surrounded by her family, the farm animals, and the windmills. As a young girl, she would ride her bicycle around her village, running errands, helping manage the household, and attending the one-room schoolhouse.

At the end of World War II, Ella and her family were forced to leave their safe haven—the remote farming village where they had weathered the war—and embark on a new life in America. In New York City, she met her future husband, and together they began a new chapter in their journey.

Ella will always be remembered as a deeply loving mother, devoted to the well-being of her children and family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched and the values she instilled in her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her son John Starks and wife Kimberly, of Pine Island, NY; daughter Heidi DeGregorio, and husband Enzo, of Briarcliff Manor, NY; and 4 loving grandchildren: Sara DeGregorio, Thomas DeGregorio, Ryan Starks, and Elizabeth Starks. She also leaves behind 6 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Ella was predeceased by her husband Wally Starks, and brother Gunther Lipinsky.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Willam F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Highland Falls, NY. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in New Windsor, NY.

Ella’s favorite charities were:

• Wounded Warriors

• Alzheimer’s Association