Stark was born in Iowa but has lived in Oklahoma for most of her life. Her family first moved to Yukon before later moving to Muskogee where she graduated high school.

She studied chemistry and biology at Southern Nazarene University and received her bachelor’s of nursing degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing.

A registered nurse, she spent over 15 years working in intensive care. She then spent 20 years serving in a nonprofit ministry in Oklahoma City, helping meet the needs of the working poor, unemployed and senior citizens through a food pantry, sober living houses, a thrift store and networking resources.

She attends Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Bethany where she thoroughly enjoys being a part of the choir, going on mission trips and serving as a substitute Sunday School teacher.