Ione Visick

Ione Mae Kjelstrom Visick, 88, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on July 30, 2026, in Silverdale, Washington. Born on April 19, 1938, in Rugby, North Dakota, Ione lived a life dedicated to her faith, family, and education.

Ione’s early childhood was idyllic growing up in North Dakota with her brother, Glenn, and their parents, Albin and Violet Kjelstrom. Then tragedy struck, and their father died of a heart-related illness when Ione was only 7 years old. After an extended grieving period, her mother, Violet, with lots of support and encouragement, rallied by going back to school and getting a good paying job. Ione’s life began anew in California.

After graduating El Cerrito High School in Cerrito, California, and then Central Washington University (B.A. and M.A.) in Ellensburg, Washington, Ione pursued her passion for teaching. She taught as a 3rd Grade Teacher at Gilbert Elementary in Yakima, Washington, and as a Reading and Math Specialist at John Campbell Elementary in Selah, Washington. Her dedication to nurturing young minds left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues. It did not go unnoticed, in 1994, the Selah School District presented Ione with an Educational Service Award for being their “1994 Outstanding Educator”.

Ione was a devoted mother to her four children: Warren C. Starr (Adelaida), Doreen Cartwright (Stuart), Melanie Marie Starr, and Rachel Starr. She cherished her role as grandmother to eight grandchildren—Tiffany Cartwright (Jonathan Gaw), Victoria Van Hoose (Christopher), Anthony Starr, Audrey Starr, Jordan Starr (Oneyda), Courtney Isaacs (Curtis), Taylor Young, and Morgan Gottfred (Nolan), — and great-grandmother to twelve great-grandchildren: Teddy, Scarlett, Paxton, Silas, Perry, Jianna, Curtis, Cooper, Cohen, Carver, Emery, and Eloise.

Ione and her husband, Dr. Warren “Dean” Starr, shared a passion for education and being involved in a caring profession. They also loved to travel. They traveled all over the world to many countries such as Norway, England, Russia, China, Japan, and Mexico to name a few. As a result, they graciously invited foreign exchange students into their home in Yakima, Washington many times.

Ione spent her latter years in Kitsap County with her husband, Gifford Visick. They also enjoyed traveling, especially ocean cruises, but more importantly, she was near her daughters, Doreen, Rachel, and Melanie Marie now. Even though her son, Warren, still lived back in Yakima County, he and his family visited often, and Ione so loved those visits.

Ione was preceded in death by her parents Albin Kjelstrom and Violet (Marchus/Kjelstrom) Stinnett; brother Glenn Kjelstrom and sister-in-law Jan Kjelstrom; stepfather Jack “Popsie” Stinnett; and husbands Warren D. Starr and Gifford Visick, Ione’s legacy continues through the lives she touched.

A devout Christian and lifelong educator, Ione found joy in church, hiking, and sports related activities. She was a tremendous athlete who was always incredibly competitive. She loved playing on women’s softball and basketball teams (where she was an excellent shooter). She also excelled in tennis and ping pong. Ione always competed with class and a smile on her face.

She was an active member of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization supporting women’s education. More than anything else, she treasured time spent playing and interacting with her great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for October 3, 2026, at 1pm in the Eagle's Nest Community Room at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton, Washington.

The family also thanks Fieldstone Memory Care and Kaiser Hospice for all their thoughtful caregiving.

Ione’s memory will always live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May her life of love and service inspire all who were blessed to share in it.

Use this link to donate to the Alzheimer's Association in Ione's name:

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=39209&mfc_pref=T&39209.donation=form1