Betty J. Markham, age 79 of Lena, IL, died on Thursday, July 13, 2017, at UW Hospital in Madison. She was born on August 25, 1937, at home, in Waterford, WI, the daughter of Gilbert and Esther (Matheson) Kaebisch.

She graduated from Burlington High School.

Betty married Donald Killian Markham on February 11, 1956, at St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Eagle, WI. Betty and Don owned and operated a farm in York Township, near New Glarus, where they raised their family. She was also employed at Advance Transformer for many years, until her retirement in 1999. Don preceded her in death in 1987.

In 1994, she met Melvin Troxell and moved to Lena, IL, where they lived happily together for 23 years. Together they created a loving home and a place for both families to gather. She and Melvin were winter Texans for several years, where they developed deep friendships.

She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, campfires, waterfalls, and traveling. She was most recently a member of First Church of the Open Bible in Freeport.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Marlene Bergemann) Markham of Monroe, Barbara (Nicholas) Miller of Monticello, Diane (David) Pankonin of Belleville, Mark (Megan) Markham of Verona; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Gilbert Kaebisch Jr .; sisters, Lynn (Jim) Henning and Rhonda Owen. She is also survived by her beloved partner, Melvin Troxell; his seven children and 11 grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Donald; and sister, Joanne Christiansen.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 17, 2017, at 12:00 noon at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe, with Pastor Burlas Parker officiating. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation was immediately prior to service on Monday, July 17, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.shriner111.com.

Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home

1455 Mansion Dr. P.O. Box 86 Monroe, WI 53566

Phone: 608-325-4306; Fax: 608-325-2185