Sydney Marie Starbuck (Syd), 15, passed away Oct. 4.

Sydney was born Dec. 6, 2002, in Bend, the daughter of Brett and Amy Starbuck, and sister to Wyatt Starbuck. She spent most of her years growing up on the Hotchkiss Cattle Company Ranch in Riley, where she developed a passion for ranch life and discovered a special connection with horses and dogs.

Sydney was a decision-maker who knew what she loved and pursued her special connection with horses nearly every day of her life. She cared for many a horse during her days and became a highly skilled rider, enabling the horses she worked with to develop a strong bond of trust with her. Recently, Syd began participating in performance sports with horses, including IGRA and breakaway roping. Syd’s most special horse was Little One, and she spent time with her every single day.

Syd spent her last months enjoying not only her special horses, but also many fun times and moments of laughter with her most trusted friend and soulmate, Frances Widener.

Sydney is survived by her father, Brett Starbuck of Riley; mother, Amy Starbuck of Boise, Idaho; brother, Wyatt Starbuck of La Grande; grandparents, Lloyd and Frances Widener of Eagle, Idaho; grandmother, Karen Starbuck of Princeton; uncle, Joel Widener of Eagle, Idaho; uncle, Jeremy Widener of Eagle, Idaho; uncle, Luke Starbuck and aunt, Janeen of Crane; uncle, Wade Starbuck and aunt, Jody Starbuck of Diamond; and many cousins.

Sydney was preceded in death by her grandfather, John Starbuck of Princeton.

A funeral service was held on Oct. 13 at Holy Family Catholic Church by Father Clemens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Idaho Horse Rescue.

Donations may be made via their website: idahohorserescue.org, or checks may be mailed in Sydney’s name to: Idaho Horse Rescue, 890 W. Franklin Ste 202, Meridian, ID 83642.