Starla Kay Willoughby
It is with profound love and sorrow that we remember and honor the life of Starla Kay Willoughby, who went home to be with the Lord on December 25, 2025. Starla was born in Lansing, Michigan, on March 30, 1970, to Karen Elaine Whitcomb and Roy Steven Willoughby.
Starla lived her life firmly grounded in her belief in God, guided by kindness, compassion, and grace. Her faith was not just something she spoke about, it was something she lived every day through her actions, her forgiveness, and her unwavering love for others. She trusted in the Lord through both joy and hardship. Her strength was immeasurable, and through that strength she gave herself, her family, and her friends more precious days together during her illness.
Starla was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Kenneth and Dorris Bahr, and Thomas and Peggy Bruce; her birth father, Roy Willoughby; her dad, George Whitcomb; several very close friends; and her cherished dog, DeeDee.
She is survived by her mother, Karen; her sister, Katrina; her daughters, Ashley Vansplintern and Kaylyn (Nick) Jewell; her bonus son, Brad McKeauge; her favorite niece, Mackenzie Griffith; and her treasured grandchildren: Paris, Natalie, Niko, Sophia, Novi, and Nolyn.
Starla attended Olivet schools, where she played basketball, softball, and track. She won the basketball finals, a memory she was very proud of. Her closest friends included her sister Katrina, Colleen Kelley, Annette Roiter, and Sue Judd. As a child, Sue’s family took Starla on a birthday trip around the country in their motor home, a memory she recalled often. She spoke frequently of how much the Judd family taught her and how blessed she felt that God had crossed their paths.
Starla earned her cosmetology degree through the Vo-Tech Center and later attended Kellogg Community College and Davenport University. She went on to build a career in the medical field as a practice manager for several doctors, while continuing to do hair on the side. Everywhere she worked, she formed deep bonds and considered her coworkers family, especially at her first job out of college with Dr. Larry “Corkey” Waite, and later with Dr. Henry.
Starla married her high school sweetheart, Chad Vansplintern, on May 1, 1993. She was the heart of her family. Her love was constant, selfless, and unconditional. To her children, she was more than a devoted mother, she was a protector, a teacher, a source of comfort and guidance, and a steady light. Her love shaped who they are and will continue to guide them every day. Though her absence is deeply felt, her love remains forever.
While her daughters were the center of her life, Starla was a mother figure to many others. She had a gift for making people feel safe, understood, and deeply cared for, often putting the needs of others before her own. Her kindness was quiet but powerful, shown through her patience, generosity, and countless small acts of love. She taught those around her the true meaning of compassion, resilience, and selfless love—lessons that will live on through the many lives she touched.
Starla’s grandchildren brought her endless joy. Their laughter filled her days, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Her love for them was boundless, and they carry with them warm, unforgettable memories and traditions that will forever live in their hearts.
One of Starla’s favorite sayings and songs was “You Are My Sunshine,” a reflection of who she was. She truly was a ray of sunshine. Even in difficult moments, she found ways to encourage others and remind them they were never alone.
Starla will be remembered for the love she gave, her profound strength, her unwavering faith in God, and the grace she shared so freely. She will always be missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Her light continues to shine in the hearts of those she leaves behind, and her love will carry on for generations.
“My angels are watching over you.”
A celebration of Starla’s life will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, beginning at 1 p.m. at The Eagles, 116 Lansing St., Charlotte, MI. 48813. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl St./PO Box 235, Springport, Michigan, 49284, phone number 517-857-4848.