Ella Jane Markham, 92, Chanute, died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.

Ella was born on March 18, 1918 in rural Earlton, the daughter of Ted and Carrie Myrtle Bolin Billbe. She grew up on the family farm and attended Ward School.

She was united in marriage to Freddie Markham on Sept. 4, 1937. Together they moved to rural Chanute where she lived for more than 70 years until her death. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1976.

Ella worked as a CNA at Neosho Memorial Hospital and a local nursing home as well as providing Private Aide Home Care in the area.

She loved to do needlepoint, quilt, bowl and travel.

Ella is survived by her son, Freddie W. Markham and his companion Barbara Jones, Chanute; two grandsons, Jim Markham and his companion Sherry Johnson, and Bill Markham and his wife, Becky, all of Chanute; a granddaughter, Susan Staggs and her husband, Terry, Dennis; great-grandchildren Christopher Markham, Matthew Markham, Derek Markham, Aaron Staggs, Tosha Staggs, Jessica Clift, Jennifer Siebel and Stephanie Jackson; 11 great-great-grandchildren; stepdaughter, Pat Markham; two stepgranddaughters, Debbie Boone and husband, Merle, and Pam Mueller; a brother, Dean Billbe and wife, Lois, Chanute; a sister, Vivian Tennis husband, Merle, Meade; a sister-in-law, Jean Billbe, Florida; a special long-time caregiver, Ann Wylie; long-time caring neighbors, Ed and Dee Isle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Freddie, a stepson Richard Markham, a granddaughter, Sherry Glasgow, four brothers and two sisters.

Funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 28 at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel in Chanute. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may call on Sunday from 1: to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials in her name may be made to Castaways Animal Shelter and may be left with the funeral home.

“To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com”