June Keluia Starr

With hearts full of love and faith, we celebrate the life of our dear mother, wife, sister, aunty, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, June Kukamahunuiakea o’keluia Wallace Karratti Starr, age 87, of St. George, Utah. June returned to her heavenly home peacefully on July 2, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. She lived a life filled with service, and her family finds comfort in the knowledge that she has been reunited with her sweetheart, Warren.

June was born in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii on June 1, 1938. She was the second of five children born to Louis Kauhane Wallace and Claudia Sarah Kukamahunuiakea o’keluia Hussey. Her early simpler years of living in paradise were sadly clouded by the hardships of poverty, family challenges, and the turmoil of World War II. June and her siblings Sarah Kananiokeakua, Louis Kauhane Jr., Nancy Kainoa, and Melika Ann (who died shortly after her birth) all developed a strong spirit of resilience and service, inspired by their mother’s example.

She attended Farrington High School in Honolulu, as well as the University of Hawaii where she studied psychology. June later earned an associate’s degree in accounting while attending night classes at Los Angeles Mission College in California.

June was first married to Eldon Allen Kupa Karratti and four sons were born from that union. This marriage ended in divorce and June was left to work several jobs and raise her young boys with the help of her family and friends. While at one of these jobs she met Warren Leland Starr, a former sailor in the U.S. Navy now working in Hawaii for Bendix Corporation. They began dating, and on May 11, 1963 they were married in Kaneohe, Hawaii, which she always said was the “best decision I ever made.” Soon a daughter was born to complete the family, and shortly thereafter, they all relocated to California.

She worked at the Bank of Hawaii as well as the health spa at the Hawaiian Hilton Village. Later her accounting degree led her to positions as a corporate accountant and office manager for several companies. In addition, June was a notary, and could be found generously assisting family and friends with their tax returns. She also enjoyed softball and earned several trophies for bowling.

You can take June out of Hawaii, but you cannot take Hawaii out of June. Her passion was sharing her Polynesian heritage with her children and community. The family would often be found cooking and performing music and hula for luau parties, church, and several community events. She served many years on the board of the Hui O’ Hawaii of San Fernando Valley, a civic club dedicated to “preserving and promoting…The Aloha Spirit.” June Starr was a name well known in the Los Angeles area for years due to her involvement in the annual Ho’olaule’a, Hawaiian festival.

June was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and an active member of the St. James Ward. Throughout her life she has served anywhere she was asked to serve. From her years as a den mother in Cub Scouts, working with the youth of the Young Women’s organization, over seven years as a Relief Society president, and on several Activities Committee’s on both the Ward and Stake levels. June also loved to sing, and was part of the choir in any ward she attended. Temple work was another passion. She began by trying to visit as many temples as she could. As she got older, she made goals for herself to complete as many ordinances as she could. In 2024 she completed over 2000 family ordinances.

June is survived by her children: Eldon Allen Kupa Karratti Jr. (Lauri), Edson Keola Karratti (Cari), Erwin Kimo Karratti (Marty), Allison Haunani Hansen (Douglas); her sister: Nancy Kainoa Tacderan; 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren (with one on the way in December 2025).

June was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, who passed away February 22, 2011, as well as her son, Emmon Karratti, who died in childbirth; her parents; three siblings, Sarah K. Kaae, Louis K. Wallace Jr., Melika Ann; and many dear family and friends.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the amazing staff at St. George Regional Hospital and Zion’s Way Home Health & Hospice facilities.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the St. James Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1095 St. James Lane, St. George, Utah. Viewing: 8:00-9:30 am MST; Service: 10:00 am MST; Interment will follow at 12:00 noon MST at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

Arrangement entrusted to the care of McMillan Mortuary, (435) 688-8880. Please visit their website at www.mcmillanmortuary.com to share memories, offer condolences, and to find the link to view June’s services via live stream.

Her legacy of love and service will be remembered by all who knew her.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25:21

Funeral services may be viewed by clicking the livestream below.