Starlet Cringan

Starlet Cringan, 61, Grain Valley, MO, passed away peacefully in her home August 19, 2005. A memorial service for Starlet will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 23, at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, Raytown, MO. Visitation will be from 5:30-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For those who wish to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, the family suggests the St. Luke’s hospital foundation, Wayside Waifs of Kansas City, MO, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or a charity of choice. A celebration of Starlet’s life will be held at a later date. Starlet was born October 11, 1943, in Richmond, MO, to Charles Cringan and Katherine Pryor. Starlet was raised by her grandparents, John and Vivian Cringan, in Richmond and attended the public schools there. She attended Southwest Baptist College at Bolivar, MO, and graduated from Central Missouri State University with a bachelor and master’s degree. She taught school for 31 years in the Kansas City Missouri School District, retiring in 1996. She was a member of the Kansas City Federation of Teachers, local 691 and active in the union leadership. Starlet had many passions in her life, which included her work in the public schools with the children she taught, her union activities and a love for animals and wildlife. She stood for fair play, justice and the civil/personal rights of all persons. She did not always accept life on its own terms and willingly challenged the establishment when it was necessary to support her beliefs and the rights of others. Some of her greatest enjoyments in life were being outdoors and mowing on her farm, professional sports in general and the Kansas City Chiefs football club in particular, and her beloved pets. In Starlet’s world, there were no bad pets, only bad owners. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father, mother and stepmother, Theresa Cringan; two brothers, Michael and Terry Cringan; her dear childhood friend, Carolyn Paulson; and many of her beloved pets. Survivors are Doris Griffith of the home and her beloved dog, Callie J; brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Angie Cringan; brother, David Cringan; nieces and nephews; and other family members, extended family and friends.