Charlene H. Markley

Charlene H. Markley, 89, died Thursday, November 20, 2025 in her home with loved ones nearby.

She was born in Bucyrus on October 13, 1936 to the late James L. Francis and Pearl L. (Partlow) Francis Beach. After attending Bucyrus Schools, she married Raymond D. Markley on July 19, 1952 and worked as a homemaker, raising three children. Raymond preceded her in death on February 24, 2013.

Charlene was a simple lady who enjoyed the company of her family and adored children. Her day was made with a drive around Bucyrus to reminisce about days gone by while sipping on a caramel frappe from McDonald’s. She was an excellent cook with butterscotch pie, Christmas cutout cookies, homemade noodles, and peanut butter blossoms among her family’s favorites. She seldom missed an episode of the Young and the Restless and responded to every “I love you” with, “I love you more.”

She is survived by three children, Gary (Judy) Markley, Janet (Lanny) Hawkins, and Lori Markley; two grandchildren, Nathan Markley and Kristin Hawkins; siblings, Sharon (Allan) Miller, Judy Thiel, and David (Meg) Beach; along with extended family.

In addition to her parents and husband of 60 years, Charlene was preceded in death by sisters, Carol Cox and Edith Whited; brother, Bill Francis, and infant brother, Jimmy Francis.

The Markley family invites friends to join them on Monday, November 24 at 1:00 pm in Oakwood Cemetery Bucyrus for a graveside funeral service officiated by Chaplain Rick Utt Jr.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Bucyrus Backpack Program and given through Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus.

Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Charlene’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.