June 15, 1915 - Feb. 5, 2013
ELKHART - Mary Ellen Markley, 97, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at East Lake Terrace at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 5, 2013.
She had resided in her own home until Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, when she moved to East Lake Terrace.
She was born June 15, 1915, in Elkhart to Otto M. and Hazel (Hartung) Miller.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Hillary Miller, Dr. William (Mary Grace) Miller and Otto M. Jr. (Jean) Miller.
On June 16, 1934, she married Harold M. Markley of Goshen. He preceded her in death in 1978.
They were the loving parents of Joan (Jim) Bock, Nancy (Bill) Stanner and Tim (Nancy) Markley, all of Elkhart. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. They include Christi Bock (Jim) Harman, Terri Stanner (Steve) Blaising, Jamie Bock (Jeff) Helman, Darci Stanner (Marc) Gaff, Staci Stanner (Tony) Anagnos, Jon D. Markley and Tim Markley Jr. Other survivors include her great-grandchildren, Katie Harman, James (JJ) Harman, Kaley Helman (Rob) Taylor, Megan Blaising (Julian) Harrell, Courtney Helman (Stockton) Schultz, Drew Gaff, Alli Gaff, Nick Blaising, Maddie Helman, Alaina Gaff and Addison Gaff.
A granddaughter, Mara Helman, preceded her in death.
She was fortunate to have the opportunity to see the birth of her great-great-grandchildren, Avalon and Harper Taylor and Navy Schultz. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Grace Miller; two nieces, Susan Edmundson and Marsha Kringle; one nephew, William Miller; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She had a love for cooking and treating her family to Amish cookies, amazing pies and homemade noodles. She also enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, quilting and lap time with her kitty, Heidi.
Mary Ellen was a homemaker for many years but was ready to become a business woman when Harold told her of an opportunity for them to have a small business at home. After two years he joined her in this business and in 1959 Markley Enterprise Inc. was created. Mary filled many roles; accounting, human resources and staffing as well as being the pleasant smile at the front desk and on the phone. When Harold died in 1978, Mary continued to work in the business with her children until the age of 92.
Although a sweet, soft-spoken lady, she always had profound thoughts of wisdom. A good example would be a note we found in her kitchen reading "Don't criticize those who fail trying. Only criticize those who fail to try."
Mary Ellen was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Elkhart, a circle member and loved helping prepare and serve Wednesday night dinners for the church and community.
The family would like to thank the staffs of East Lake Terrace, Harbor Light Hospice and Firefly Home Care who gave such wonderful, loving care to our mother.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at the church. Pastor Mark Dicken will preside. Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church or Harbor Light Hospice.