Mary Chalone Courtney Terry Markham

Markham, Mary Chalone Courtney Terry

Mary Chalone Courtney Terry Markham passed away with family members by her side, Thursday, March 13, 2014. Mary was born February 19, 1937, in Omaha NE, the daughter of Charles and Leone (Harris) Courtney. She married Richard L. Markham, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mary attended Cathedral High and Creighton University in Omaha. Mary taught school and worked with her husband Richard and son, Chad, in their liquor business in Michigan. Mary successfully defended her family in a gun battle with two armed robbers. Her husband had been shot. Her son, escaping injury, starred in a movie made for HBO about the event. Mary and her husband Richard and son Chad were very active in aviation and were pilots. Her son was a commercial instrument-rated instructor. Mary flew to many places. Florida and the Caribbean were her favorites. Mary and Richard lived in a Detroit suburb and Upper Michigan, and also in Florida. They retired to Cassville with their dog, Babe, 15 years ago. Mary and her family enjoyed being season ticket holders of the Detroit Lions. They also enjoyed living on Lake St. Clair and the Gulf of Mexico. Mary is survived by her sons, Chad Markham, U.S. Congressman Lee Terry, Dan Curnyn; daughter Robin Vogele; in-laws, Jane and John Gartin and Sue and Roger Vorderstrasse of Omaha; many nieces and nephews, grandchildren and friends. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Leone, and brother Joseph Courtney. The family wishes to thank family and friends for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Burial and services will be at a later date. Cremation rites have been set.