Funeral Services for Marjorie Carrie Markley, 93, Lawrence will be 2 pm, Saturday August 8, 2026, at the First Christian Church. Visitation will begin at 1 pm.
Marjorie went home to be with her Lord on August 5, 2026.
She was born to Harry and Martha Pasley Denewiler in Lecompton but soon became a proud North Lawrence ”sand rat” along with her other 4 siblings. She attended Woodlawn Elementary and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1951.
In 1955, she went from city girl to country homemaker with grace when she married Bill Markley, the love of her life. She adored him until the day she died.
Marjorie was a faithful and joyful stay-at-home mom to three kids, an avid gardener like her father, a talented alto singer and an artist who painted and crafted with excellence. Over the years, she also became an enthusiastic quilter. “Everlastings” was a business she ran, crafting all types of dried arrangements and wreaths from flowers she harvested in the fields and along the country roads. She could build a beautiful rock fence and enjoyed finding just the right rock to fit the proper spot.
She and Bill farmed the family land near Lone Star. After Bill retired from KP&L, they moved to 240 acres in the Flint Hills near Alma where they spent 18 years creating a beautiful existence. This became a wonderland for all their 10 grandchildren who enjoyed roaming the hills experiencing nature and pioneer life, a special interest to Bill and Marj. Together, they designed and built 3 original homes, 2 in Douglas County and one in Wabaunsee County.
Marjorie loved God and was a people person. She was energized by people and served in many churches through the years, most recently First Christian Church in Lawrence, being a welcoming presence. Through the years, she helped teach young children and served international KSU students through World Friendship with University Christian Church in Manhattan.
She is preceded in death by her parents; parent-in-laws, Solon and Mildred Markley; 2 brothers; husband, Bill and one great grandchild, Ezra Sweat.
Marjorie leaves behind her three children, Matt (Sandy), Marty (Rebecca) and Jennifer (Greg Boyle). Her grandchildren are Nathan (Laura), Tyler (Kelsey), Emma (Steve Sweat), Caroline (Chase Hoag), Zach Boyle (Maggie), Sam Boyle (Quinci), Ben (Maddie), Hannah (Mac Maser) and Drew (Caroline). She was very proud of her family and had a hard time keeping track of all of her beautiful …. great grandchildren.
Memorials can be made in her honor to Alpha Christian Children’s Home in Lecompton.
I’m so sad to see Marjorie passed away. I was in Alaska so didn’t know until today. What a wonderful woman she was! Carl and I enjoyed several good visits at their pioneer home and wished we could have visited them more.
Marty and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. May GOD hold her and comfort her in his arms. May GOD Bless her and each of you with his Grace during the days ahead.
i enjoyed marjorie so much, i was a server at perkins for 16 years and she came in there all the time with her high school friends in a group and it breaks my heart to hear of her passing. she was a delight to be around and talk to.
Marj and Bill were our neighbors on top of the hill. We had many years of enjoying their friendship, advice (of which Bill thought we usually needed!), learning important vegetable and flower garden tips, and having wonderful chats together. Marj was always delighted to see the family walk by her house, with kids and dogs vying for attention. They made living out in this beautiful spot in Douglas County ever more special. They were the Salt of the Earth.
Marj and Bill were our neighbors on top of the hill. We had many years of enjoying their friendship, advice (of which Bill thought we usually needed!), learning important vegetable and flower garden tips, and having wonderful chats together. Marj was always delighted to see the family walk by her house, with kids and dogs vying for attention. They made living out in this beautiful spot in Douglas County ever more special. They were the Salt of the Earth.
So sorry to hear of Marjorie’s passing! She was a sweet lady! She was my neighbor when I lived on Trail Road! She would walk across the street and admire my flower gardens and we always had nice visits!!