Janel Markwood

Janel Markwood, 89, passed away on August 4, 2024, at Methodist Hospital.

Janel was born on July 2, 1935, to J.C. and Macie (Lile) Hacker in Dimmitt, Texas. Her family moved when she was 6 years old to Clovis, New Mexico. Janel cherished her childhood memories and growing up in Clovis, this is where she began teaching piano and also where she met her husband, Lewis Markwood. She was a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Janel was an accomplished pianist. At a very young age, she was an organ and piano instructor, both private and in the Des Moines Public Schools. At her peak, Janel had 50 students per week. During her teaching career, she also taught the Royal Conservatory in Canada. Janel played piano at church, taught women’s Bible studies and organized prayer chains. She loved to travel. Janel had traveled to 49 states, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She was an amazing wife and mother, a proud grandmother and a good friend. Family was of great importance to her. Janel was proud of her children and their families and all of their accomplishments. She was an incredible hostess, no one was ever turned away. Janel had a shoebox of recipes; homemade desserts were her specialty. She was a planner, while eating one meal, she was planning the next.

Janel is survived by her husband of 70 years, Reverend Lewis Markwood; her daughters, Cherie (Mike) Florman and Catherine (Brad) Callis; her son, Dr. Chris (Bridget) Markwood; three grandchildren, Shelley (Phil) Green, Andrea (Aaron) Wolfe and Reagan Markwood; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Janel is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Dr. Jerrianne Hacker.

The family will greet friends on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Scotch Ridge Presbyterian United Church; 13015 Scotch Ridge Road, Carlisle, Iowa. Guests are encouraged to wear blue in honor of Janel. Burial will take place at Scotch Ridge Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed using the link below this obituary.

Janel was a 56-year breast cancer survivor. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or Billy Graham Evangelist Association in loving memory of Janel.

Condolences may be expressed at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

Print