Bessie Markus
Born: May 14th, 1928
Died: June 7th, 2006
Obituary
Bessie Markus, 78, of Burlington died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Great River Medical Center Born May 14, 1928 in Washington, she was the daughter of Chris and Bertha Benendyck Rayburn. At age four, she and her six brothers and sisters were orphaned when their parents died in an automobile accident. Mrs. Markus spent the next ten years in an orphanage. Mr. and Mrs. Todd took in Mrs. Markus at age 14 where she worked as a maid for 34 years until she met Raymond. On May 14, 1977 she married Raymond Markus in Burlington. She was a member of West Avenue Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir, a nursery attendant and an AWANA Club leader. She enjoyed crafts, painting and travel, and loved to paint houses. Survivors include her husband, Raymond Markus of Burlington; and two stepsons, Robert Markus of Cedar Rapids, and Willard Frank Markus of West Burlington. A memorial has been established for West Avenue Baptist Church. According to Mrs. Markus' wishes, her body has been cremated.