Ann Frances Markley

Ann Frances MARKLEY Ann Frances Markley, beloved mother, aunt and sister-in-law, passed away peacefully April 16, 2011. Ann was born March 26, 1938 in Elyria, Ohio the youngest of three daughters. Ann moved to Billings, Montana and then moved to the Seattle area in her early teens. Ann attended high school and received her beauty school license soon after. Ann was an exceptional hair dresser and worked for over 50 years in the industry and had many long term customers until she retired for health reason. In 1971 she married Ronald Gaines Markley and they raised one daughter, Beth. Their life together included many drag racing events where Gaines was a participant and Ann and Beth were top notch 'roadies'. Ann was an official member of her husband's crew and packed his parachute, drove the push car and often drove the trailer to the next race. After Gaines passed away in 2008, Ann and Beth took great pride in their home, garden and their Scottie dogs, Mac and Doc. Ann loved to draw and enjoyed listening to music especially show tunes and Susan Boyle. Ann was a very spiritual person and a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church. She was very involved in the congregation's mission in Haiti where she travelled five times to help spread God's special message of love. Ann's health deteriorated over the past year and she and her daughter moved to Portland to be closer to her brother-in-law's family. Ann was valiant in her fight to regain her health but she succumbed to health issues three weeks after her 73 birthday. Ann will be sorely missed by all and especially her survivors: daughter Beth, brother-in-law and sister in law Charles and Mary, nieces Julia (Lance Johnson) and Maria (Gabe McNassar), nephew John and grand nephew and niece Gus and Zorina Johnson. A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 22975 24th Avenue South, Des Moines, Washington Saturday, May 28 at 2:00 p.m. We all pray for her peace and look forward to seeing her in Heaven.