Paula S. Markham

Paula S. Markham, 67, of Parsons, passed away at 11:35 a.m., Friday, July 21, 2017 at St. Luke's Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri following a brief illness.

She was born August 2, 1949 in Parsons, Kansas to L.B. "Barney" and Ina Bell (Janssen) Pontious. As a young girl, she grew up in Parsons where she attended school. She was an active member of the Parsons High School Class of 1967 and in 1983 earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing at Labette Community College. For many years, Paula worked as a registered nurse at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center.

Paula had a taste for the good things in life: Spending time with family, lifelong friendships, shopping garage sales and traveling the world. An active member of Dennis Methodist Church, she found immense joy in helping others and always gave more than she took.

Her unexpected passing has left a huge hole in the lives of those who felt the care and love she shared. She was the glue that bonded so many, and there's no doubt that she would want her memories to keep those relationships going. Her generous and thoughtful spirit will truly be missed.

She and John M. Jungles were married. They later divorced. She and Dale L. Markham were married.

She is survived by her husband Dale; one son, Brad, and his wife Marcie; one daughter, Ashley, and her husband George; and stepson, Matthew, and his wife Elizabeth. She is also survived by her mother, Ina Bell Pontious; one sister, Crystal Stevens; and one brother, Barney Pontious. She has four wonderful grandchildren: Marley, George, Ariana, and Kevin, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, L.B. "Barney" Pontious.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Labette Community College Foundation for nursing scholarships. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.