Markham, Elizabeth ("Betty") Marie (Gladson) (1922 - 2021)

MARKHAM, GLADSON, MORES, ADAMS, BURRACK, GRESS, PERRIN, BROGAN, MCPHARLIN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 8/2/2021 at 14:48:23

Name of deceased: Elizabeth "Betty" Marie Markham (nee Gladson)

Aged: 99 yrs, 2 mo, 25 days

Residence: Elm Crest Assisted Living facility, Harlan, IA

Born: April 17, 1922; Omaha, Douglas County, NE

Died: July 12, 2021; Elm Crest Assisted Living facility, Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 16, 2021; St. Michael's Catholic Church, Harlan, IA; burial was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Children, Michelle (spouse, Steven) Mores of Harlan, IA, William Markham (spouse, Robin) of Harrison, AK, Darley Jo (spouse, Steve) Adams of Clitherall, MN, Dr. Mark Markham (spouse, Pat) of Omaha, NE, Tim Markham (spouse, Carolyn) of Gonzales, TX, MaryBeth Markham Burrack of Harlan, IA, Nancy (spouse, Jeff) Gress of Hancock, IA, Dr. Phil Markham (spouse, Amy) of Harlan, IA, and Dr. Scott Markham (spouse, Joan) of Harlan, IA; grandchildren, Marc, Msgt. Kylan (Retired), Katy, Mike, Jodi, Kerri, Molly, Kim, Emily, Danny, Matt, Beth, Jessica, Holly, Jon, Msgt. Joe, Dr. Claire, Jeff, Michaela, Alex, Andrew, Erin, Sam, Jared, Will and Sara; 44 great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Perrin of Omaha, NE, and Jean Brogan of Norfolk, NE; brother, Jim Gladson of Bella Vista, AK; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Ambrose and Agnes (nee McPharlin) Gladson; husband, "Dr. Bill" (deceased in 1974); daughter, Cheryl Lee Markham

Education: Graduated from Cathedral High School, Omaha, NE; she then attended Van Sants Business College, Omaha

Religious affiliation: Active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Harlan, IA, where she served on the church parish council, church guild, was a lector and lay minister and a member of the liturgy committee

Military service: n/a

Marriage: William S. Markham; 1944; location not provided

Employment: After completing Van Sant Business School, Betty began doing clerical work for the Army Medical Corps during World War II. After her marriage, she raised her children until 1974, when Bill died suddenly at age 53. With 2 children in college and 4 still at home, Betty was appointed to the school board to finish the term to which Bill had just been re-elected and served there 10 years. She went back to work as a secretary/receptionist at the Baptist retirement and nursing home, then worked at The Loft woman's clothing store, and finally ran for Shelby County Treasurer, a position she held for 12 years.

Hobbies/Interests: An involved mother, Betty supported her children’s involvement in Brownies and Girl Scouts, Cub and Boy scouts, 4-H, as a band parent, and in their drama, dance, numerous athletic events. She volunteered with the medical and hospital auxiliaries, and as a member of P.E.O. and Review Club. In 1983, the Harlan Chamber of Commerce awarded her with a "Citizen of the Year" award and, in 1991, she was named Iowa's "Mother of the Year."

Sources: harlanonline.com; kjan.com; pauleyjones.com