Sharon Lee Markus

Sharon Lee Markus, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025.

Sharon was born on October 6, 1935 in Boise, Idaho. She was the second of three children born to James and Berta Burt.

Sharon graduated from Boise High School in 1954. During her high school years she was a majorette, energetically leading the marching band with her baton twirling. After high school, she got a job at the Egyptian Theater selling candy and popcorn. In her senior year of high school she met her lifelong sweetheart, Mel Markus, at a drive-in burger joint. Sharon spotted him among the Boise State basketball team in his letterman jacket. Mel asked her out, to which she responded, "you need to come to my house and ask me out like a proper boy should." So, Mel hopped in his car and followed Sharon home. At her doorstep, he said, "I'm at your house like a proper boy should. Do you want to go out with me?" The two quickly fell in love.

Mel and Sharon were married December 3rd, 1954. At the start of their marriage they were extremely poor. Mel worked several jobs to make ends meet while Sharon raised their four sons: Mike, Scott, Rick, and Jay. She spent much of her time running them around to basketball practices and games. Somehow, the boys could always count on a hot dinner being ready for them after practice. She liked to practice basketball with her sons in the driveway, and to her boys' amusement, would use a broom to block their shots. Sharon loved being a mother, and she was good at it.

Sharon loved the Savior and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her whole life. She took all four of her boys to church every Sunday where she also voluntarily took on several assignments. Something she is very proud of is the fact that she sent all four of her boys on missions for the church.

Sharon discovered a love for oil painting, specifically creating beautiful floral and landscape pieces. Her paintings found their way into many homes across the Treasure Valley, where they are still proudly displayed today - a testament to the lasting beauty she created.

Sharon's mother and aunts planted a love for fashion in her when she was a little girl. As a young mother, Sharon began modeling and quickly excelled. She appeared in local runway shows and even on billboards for Calls Jewelry. She loved teaching her granddaughters how to walk a runway. Looking and feeling beautiful always brought her joy. As the dementia progressed, a simple, "Sharon, you look pretty today" would still put a smile on her face.

Sharon developed a passion for Persian cats, eventually founding Sunny Ridge Persians. She began selling and breeding cats and eventually started participating in cat shows. She had one unique cat that had one blue eye and one brown eye named Sunny Ridge's Polar Express of Wishes (Polar for short). Polar traveled around the world and won every show he was in. Sharon was invited to the Cat Fanciers award banquet in Kentucky, where Polar won #1 cat in the world. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, he was perfect! She walked the red carpet holding Polar draped in red roses. Sharon seemed right where she belonged, being #1 in the world. Mel was shocked at how big of a deal this was.

Later in her life, Sharon became a very talented quilter. One Christmas she made all of her grandkids their own quilts. Sharon made the holidays special, by decorating her table and putting on the best parties. She loved to cook and had many wonderful family recipes. She was an enthusiastic supporter and never missed a game or dance recital for her kids or grandkids. She loved loading up the RV to travel with her family to Disneyland or any sporting event, she never wanted to miss out. She truly was the life of the party and provided her family with a lifetime of memories. Sharon was known for her spunky personality, her endless support, and her love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Mel, as well as her parents, James and Berta, her brother, Bob, and sister, Susan. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Mike Markus of Salt Lake City, UT, Scott and Marcine Markus of Nampa, ID, Rick and Kimber Markus of Boise, ID, and Jay and Melody Markus of Nampa, ID; along with 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the LDS church building at 927 Ruth Lane, Nampa, Idaho 83686. A viewing will be held at 10 am followed by the funeral at 11 am.

The funeral service can also be viewed via Zoom.

Meeting ID #922 4654 9809