Louise Black Starling, 83, born Jauary 19, 1926 in West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away August 25, 2009 at her home in Lake Placid, Florida. Louise moved to Immokalee at the age of three. A lifelong resident of Immokalee, Louise moved to Lake Placid six years ago, but always thought of Immokalee as home.

Louise had a full life--she loved much, laughed often and gave generously to all. Louise is survived by her daughters; Cecilia Bates of Lake Placid, Mary Lou (Bryon) Hendry of Homosassa and Anita (Otis) Crapse of LaBelle, and her stepson Benny (Bernadette) Starling of Immokalee. She had nine grandchildren: Ben Starling, Brady (Nicole) Starling, Bobbi (Mike) Sutton, Ralph (Jennifer) Hendry, Brundi (Scott) Crawford, Bo Bates, Robbie (April) Hendry, Donna (Any) Marquez, Donnie (Shaina) Crapse and twelve great-grandchildren, and by her brother, Ceacil K. Harrelson of Lake Placid, FLorida. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bob Black and Ben Starling and her son-in-law, Gary Bates.

Although a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Placid, Louise called the First Baptist Church of Immokalee her home church.

A memorial celebration of Louise's life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1411 Lake Trafford Road, Immokalee, Florida Saturday August 29,2009. Visitation will be at 10:00 am with the service begining at 11:00 am.

Contributions may be made in Louise's name to the Gary Bates Scholarship Fund at Immokalee High School through Florida Community Bank, 1400 North 15th Street, Immokalee, Florida 34142.