In loving memory of Shirley Alice Marker.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Shirley Marker, our loving mother, adoring grandmother, devoted wife, and loyal friend. Shirley passed away peacefully on Nov. 15, 2023 at her Clarkston home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was truly one of the kindest, most generous people on this earth.

Shirley was born on Aug. 3, 1941 to Benjamin and Dorothy Tate in Lewiston, Idaho. When she was in grade school, she and her siblings moved to Headquarters, Idaho to be with their dad who worked for PFI. Being the oldest daughter, she along with her big brothers Ben and Bill Tate helped their dad Ben raise their younger siblings: Sharon Tate Lepka, Terry Michael Tate, Linda Blankenship Buhl, and Steven Blankenship. They were a very tight-knit loving family. Out of necessity she learned to cook and sew at a very young age, which led to a lifetime talent of creating beautiful clothes, home decor, and Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren. Later in life, she also used her cooking skills to make everything from amazing holiday dinners to huge hearty meals for the harvest crews.

Mom was a hard worker. She was always cooking, cleaning or making something for someone. She made our big farmhouse in Nezperce a beautiful home. We had the most magical holidays, especially Christmas. The house would be decked out in garland, candles, stockings, and always a gorgeous tree. Beautifully wrapped gifts would be stacked high covering most of the living room floor. She said that she just couldn’t help herself…it gave her so much joy to give to her family what she did not have as a child.

We all remember the many shopping trips to Macy’s, but the best gifts Mom gave were her hugs and Grandma kisses! Next, was her advice about life which usually came in the form of a very interesting and unforgettable story. And lastly, she always gave her unconditional love and unwavering support. Mom cheered us all on and rarely missed a game, rodeo, concert, or dance recital. She was there for all of the big moments in our lives, and especially the tough times. She was there to support us in all that we did. She never missed an opportunity to remind us of our worth and potential. Everyone of us can hear her saying: Get your education and then you can do anything in life.

Life on the farm with six kids was never dull. When we were younger and Dad could get away from the farm, we enjoyed camping trips at Three Rivers. When she wasn’t taking care of her family, she enjoyed spending time with her friends. Living on the farm was sometimes lonely, but she loved visiting on the phone with her friends and when they got a chance she loved going out for lunch, shopping, and browsing through antique stores.

After the kids were raised her and Dad enjoyed traveling during the winter months. They went to Hawaii and they took a Caribbean Cruise for her 50th birthday. They liked traveling south in their fifth wheel to Nevada and Arizona where they would meet up with friends. Those were some of the happiest days for mom; she loved going on a trip.

Shirley was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Leslie Marker, her sisters Linda Buhl and Sharon Lepka, and her six children: Dan and Lisa Marsh, Kim and Jeff Cirka, Tom Marsh, Shelly Renee Marker, Angela Marker Smith and Paul Smith, and JD Marker. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Lindsey and Kyle Helm, Ryan and Maria Marsh, Lacey Martin, Elle Cirka, Gabriel Cirka, Gavin Marker Burdick, Garret Marker Burdick, Isabel Marker Smith, Harrison Marker Smith, Brooke and Justen Mahaffey, Mackenzie and Garret Naught, Callie-Rae and Shane Riebold, and Caden Marker. Her great grandchildren: Grady and Madelynn Helm, Lincoln and Adeline Marsh, Paisley and Emmett Martin, Jerome and Iris Mahaffey, Beau Naught, and Callaghan Riebold.

Lastly, we want to thank everyone who treated mom with kindness and compassion these last few years as her health declined. We are so grateful to you all.

Please join us at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Merchant Funeral Home, 1000 Seventh St. in Clarkston, Washington, for a celebration of Shirley’s life. The family invites you to join them for a reception to follow at the Lewiston Golf & Country Club, at 3985 Country Club Dr. in Lewiston, Idaho.

Donations may be made to the Nezperce Senior Center 501 Cedar St., Nezperce, ID. Or the NW Children’s Home in Lewiston, ID.