Pamela (Penny) Jean Markley

You are loved forever (Romans 8:38-39)

Pamela (Penny) Jean Markley came smiling into this world July 2, 1943. She was born to parents William (Bill) and Elizabeth (Bet) Smith in La Crosse City, Wisconsin. Bill Smith first met his daughter, Penny, upon his return from serving in WWII as a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army. Penny's father promptly finished law school at University of Wyoming and moved their young family to Lander, Wyoming. Penny was the oldest of four children. She graduated high school in Lander in 1961. She earned her Associate's Degree at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, and finished at University of Wyoming with a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1965. Penny was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and dabbled in everything from skiing (both water & snow), synchronized swimming, fencing, and horseback riding. She played the piano and the flute. She loved to sing.

After moving back to Lander after graduation, Penny met the love of her life, Lewis Markley. Lew and Penny married on March 26, 1970 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Lander. This loving couple was blessed with three children-John, Stephanie, and Allison.

Penny and her family moved to Worland, Wyoming in 1985, where she and Lew purchased Worland Floral and Gifts. The two educators learned to run a small business and create beautiful flower arrangements for the community's joys and sorrows. Penny put that bright smile to good use. She also continued with the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Worland and was an active member for over fifty years. In 1995, Penny and her husband chose a different path to work at Cloud Peak Counseling Center of Worland. Penny's warm personality and kindness helped those with mental health challenges for over 18 years. Penny loved serving as a Youth Advocate and welcoming patients and their families to CPCC. Through the years in Worland, Penny also assisted and performed in numerous Community Theater endeavors. Penny and her husband loved working together in all adventures. Penny delighted in backseat driving Lew to visit their children and grandchildren in many different states. She was tickled pink that all four grandchildren were girls, and showered them with all things tiny and fashionable. Penny's great love for music continued and sang in Worland's Psalm Choir with Lew for many years. She and her husband's musical talent radiated through all three children and their grandchildren. Her final curtain call is Worland's production of "Sound of Music", which she helped direct with her husband and dear friends, Dan and Nancy Frederick.

Penny Markley died peacefully Oct. 18, 2017 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, MT. She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Bet Smith. She is survived by her husband Lew Markley and sheltie Bennie Markley, her son John Markley of Denver, CO and granddaughters Dena and Meg of Lincoln, NE; her daughter Stephanie, son-in-law Jerry, and granddaughter Paige of Littleton, CO; and her daughter Allison, son-in-law Greg, and granddaughter Mackenzie of Spokane, WA; her sister Leslie and brother-in-law Lloyd Hobbs of Salt Lake City, UT; her sister Chris and brother-in-law John Frey of Ft. Collins, CO; and her brother Doug Smith of Sanford, FL; Penny is also survived by sister-in-law's Diane and Melanie Markley, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and beloved long-time family friend, Helen Burnstad. Penny will live brightly in the memories of all who crossed paths with her forever.

Life is a song. Love is the music. ~Author Unknown