Betty Jean Markley, 87
Betty Jean Markley, 87
Betty Jean Markley, 87, of Hauser Lake, Idaho, passed away Jan. 3, 2019, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after a long battle with cancer.
Betty was born on July 4, 1931, in Lewiston, Idaho. She was the daughter of Arnold and Cleo Anderson, the real firecracker of the family. She was soon joined by her sister, Shirley (Rathbun) and the two were inseparable, remaining best friends until Shirley passed in 2015.
Betty married Fred Markley on April 20, 1951, and the two of them welcomed two sons into the world, Doug and Larry. Betty became a young widow when Fred suddenly passed on Feb. 8, 1990, at the age of 59. She later met Alex Oslund. They remained life partners until his sudden death on April 5, 1997. Betty was no stranger to heartbreak, but said she really felt the power of God’s presence and guidance at these hard times.
Betty graduated from Pullman High School in 1950. She worked as a telephone operator in Pullman in the ’50s. Later in her life, Betty volunteered for the Reach to Recovery Program, a cancer organization where she helped others deal with their cancer all the while fighting her own battle.
In 2011, at the Relay for Life race, Betty received the Mary Cederblom award for her dedication to supporting other cancer patients, which in her words, was a real honor. She was so proud to have received the award, especially because it was from her fellow cancer survivors. She proudly hung it in an esteemed place in her kitchen.
Betty was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, and had faith and trust in God which helped her through her many challenges in life. She also attributed her good sense of humor, family, friends — including Betty Eggers a friend since 7th grade, and good doctors who supported her through her 25-plus years as a cancer survivor.
Betty’s greatest achievements were her two sons, Doug and Larry. Betty was the glue that held her family together. She always hosted holiday dinners where everyone was welcome. Her smile and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Betty is survived by her sons, Doug Markley of Post Falls, Idaho, Larry Markley of Pinehurst, Idaho; grandchildren, Charlie (Stacey) Markley, Ryan (Clarissa) Markley, Steve Markley, Jamie Markley, Jennifer (Nick) Riley; ten great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; two nephews, Arnie (Terri) Rathbun, Vince Rathbun; brother-in-law, Loris Rathbun; cousin, Patty Stinson and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Markley, parents, Arnold and Cleo Anderson and sister, Shirley Rathbun.
The family will have a private burial at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens with public services to follow on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1011 N. Compton St., Post Falls, Idaho 83854.
Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery Program or Hospice of North Idaho. The family wants to give special thanks to Hospice and all the dedicated people that were there for Betty as she made her final journey.
Please visit Betty’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com