Deana F. Markley, 92, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at Greencroft Healthcare Goshen.

Deana was born August 4, 1928, in Elkhart to the late Roy C. and Edna (Kistler) Goetz. She was preceded in death this past April by her husband Leland; brother, Richard, infant brother, Edward James, son-in-law, Bill Dunlap, and sister-n-law, Joan Goetz.

On July 6, 1947, Deana married Leland Markley in Elkhart and they were blessed with 72 years of marriage. Surviving Deana are three daughters; Rhonda Dunlap and Shelly (Tim) Randall of Elkhart, Lori Akey (Doug Friedrich) of Muskego, WI, and a granddaughter, Madeleine Randall of Mesa, AZ.

Deana attended Elkhart High School and graduated in 1946 from Olivet Nazarene Academy in Kankakee, IL. She and her husband Leland were long-time active members of the Elkhart City Church of the Brethren, now Creekside Church of the Brethren. She was very active in choir and various ministries within the church and took great pride in her care of others through phone calls and thoughtful cards.

Deana held a variety of working positions before retiring at age 82; Administrative Assistant at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, Director of Services and Facilities at Mennonite Board of Missions, and as a part-time Director of the Volunteer Ambassador Program at Goshen College. She was involved with the volunteer reading program at Concord East Side School for many years, was a 20-plus year member of the Goshen Hospital Auxiliary, and past member of the Red Hatters Club and Sigma Eta Fine Arts Sorority. In 2004, Deana was a candidate in the Elkhart 4-H Senior Fair Queen competition.

Deana truly cherished her family and friends. When asked once how she stayed so active and vibrant, she remarked, “I celebrate my life each day and the time I have to spend with my husband and family. Each day is a gift from God.”

A private family graveside service will take place at the Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart, while a public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Deana may be made to the Creekside Church of the Brethren, 60455 C.R. 13, Elkhart, IN 46517.