Catherine “Cathy” Ann Markley, 56, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Monday, November 29, 2021.
Cathy was born on March 18, 1965, in Galesburg, as the daughter of Jimmie B. and Marjorie A. (Kann) Bell. Along the way, she met the love of her life and married Jeff Markley on September 27, 1986, in Galesburg. Together, they created a beautiful family and made a life full of devoted faith, contagious laughter, and unconditional love.
She is remembered and survived by her husband, Jeff, her two wonderful daughters, Jessie (Wade) Wares and Jennie (Austin Schmitt) Markley, both of Des Moines, Iowa, her brother, Kurt (Kristi) Bell of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and her two sisters, Lisa (Curt) Anderson of Galesburg and twin sister, Connie (Tim Fiscus) Rainey, of Ankeny, Iowa. She is now reunited with both parents and her sister, Stacey Bell.
Cathy graduated from Galesburg High School in 1983 and went on to receive additional education at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. She worked as an Elementary Paraprofessional/Librarian at District #205, for 25 years, and enjoyed working with kids of all ages and being able to touch so many lives in ways she will never know. Her warm heart and big smile invited everyone into her world and if she called you a friend, you knew that you had a true friend for life. She made this world a better place and the impacts she made on the lives of others will never be forgotten. Through life’s ups and downs, and even sometimes when in pain, Cathy always chose to dance. Her positive spirit and “Don’t sweat the small stuff” attitude not only helped her get through tough times, but also helped those closest to her. She loved getting together with family and friends to talk and laugh because for Cathy, laughter was always the best medicine. She enjoyed traveling with her family, going for long bike rides and quickly pulling into Java when the line was short. But her favorite place to be was home. Whether she was floating in the pool, taking care of her flowers or decorating for the holidays, that’s where she found her true happiness. She was a one-of-a-kind woman and her legacy will live on through the stories and memories that her family and friends will continuously share.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M., with a Memorial Service to follow, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West in Galesburg. Deacon Michael Crummer will be officiating the service. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Cathy’s memory to any of the following: Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center, F.I.S.H. Food Pantry in Galesburg, or the Forever Home Dog Rescue, in Des Moines, Iowa. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
