Barbara A. Markus

Barbara Aleen (Gilmore) Markus, 74, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away peacefully Friday, February 10, 2017, at Olathe Hospice House. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 17, 2017, at Highland Cemetery. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Thursday, February 16, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Barbara was born Monday, February 23, 1942, in Ottawa, the daughter of Ben and Maxine (Marcham) Gilmore. She grew up as a lifelong Ottawa resident, attending Ottawa schools, graduating with the class of 1960. She was always proud to be one of the “northsiders”. Barbara married Les Wheat in February 1959. They later divorced. She married Thomas L. Markus May 1, 1972. He survives of the home. Other survivors include her six children, Bradley Wheat and wife Teresa of Ottawa, Thomas Markus, Jr. and wife Jamma of Paola, Bill Markus of Topeka, Andrea Rowland and husband Paul of Williamsburg, Tony Markus and wife Jennifer of Pomona, and Dustin Markus of Ottawa; brother, Bennie Gilmore of Westwood; sister Becky Lepley of Ottawa; nineteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Wheat; daughter, Christina Wheat; parents, Ben and Maxine Gilmore; two brothers, Loren Gilmore and Stanley Gilmore; and sister, Jane Parks. She attended Trinity United Methodist Church. Barbara was a devoted homemaker who loved and cherished her family. She was always faithful in attending her children and grandchildren’s activities and games. She was a fabulous cook, known for her made from scratch angel food cake with pink icing. Her hobbies included music and reading. Barbara was an animal lover who had many pets including, cats, dogs, birds, fish, parrots, ferrets, and an alligator. The family suggests memorial contributions to Olathe Hospice House or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Barbara’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com