Jane Ellen Markham's Obituary
Mount Pleasant - Jane E. Markham, 90, passed away and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 10, 2022.
Jane Ellen Markham was born in Racine on June 10, 1932, to Earl and Frances (nee Peterson) Woodward. Jane graduated from Washington Park High School in 1950. Many years later, she became co-president of the class reunion committee. As a young girl, Jane was active in Job’s Daughters International, later becoming the Guardian of Bethel #22. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #45. On April 5, 1952, Jane married her sweetheart, Darrell G. Markham at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Racine. He preceded her in death on May 8, 1991.
Jane was always active with church. After she had been confirmed, she started teaching confirmation groups during Sunday school lessons at Emanuel Lutheran Church for about 15 years. Furthermore, she helped in the offices and sang in the choir.
Jane’s family moved and joined Gethsemane Lutheran Church. There, she continued to teach Sunday school and sing in the choir. Jane served as a Bible study teacher in the Women’s Circle and for the Daily Vacation Bible School. She was elected to the Greater Milwaukee Synodical Woman’s Organized Board and served as a Deacon at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. She also served as the church Treasurer for two years. Additionally, Jane oversaw the quilting group for ten years.
In 2014, Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Emanuel Lutheran church combined to become Journey in Faith Church where she continued to sing in the choir. Jane loved singing so much, she had been a member of what was known as the Racine Choral Arts or Racine Symphonic Chorus for 12 years. Along with singing, she enjoyed playing the organ or piano at home.
Jane appreciated knitting and crocheting. She bowled with a group called The Satellites. Jane was trained as a Blood Pressure Technician for the American Heart Association volunteering at both hospitals in Racine and the high school blood pressure clinics. Having blood type O-, she was an avid blood donor, almost every ten weeks for 51 years.
Throughout the years, Jane was employed by Hamilton Beach making small heat guns, Ruetz Manufacturing making coils for small motors, and working as an alterationist for Ruth Karnes and Holeb’s of Kenosha. Jane enjoyed sewing so much, she started sewing at her home for many people. She worked on formals, wedding dresses, and other clothing. She learned to relax a little bit from her newfound hobby.
Jane is survived by her children: Terry Markham, Loretta (Scott) Falaschi, Kenneth (Jill) Markham, and Kathleen (Chris) Paap; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brothers: Robert, Lee (Betty), and Bruce (Shirley) Woodward; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Pamela Ross on February 5, 2022; one brother and two sisters-in-law, James (Shirley) Woodward and Robert’s wife, Shirley Woodward.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, November 17, 2022, beginning with a visitation at 10:00 AM with a ceremony starting at 11:30 AM Pastor Allison Johnson officiating. A service of committal and interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. Please visit www.wilsonfuneralhominc.com to share online condolences and memories of Jane.
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