LaVada Irene Markwell (94) of Greenup

LaVada Irene Markwell, age 94, of Greenup, Illinois, passed away at 9:15 AM Saturday, November 6, 2021, at her home.

Funeral services celebrating LaVada’s life will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Meyer Funeral Home – Bishop Chapel in Greenup, Illinois, with Pastor Roger James officiating. Burial will be in the Greenup Cemetery in Greenup, Illinois. Visitation will be held 4:00-6:00 PM Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the funeral home. In loving memory of LaVada, memorials may be made to the Greenup Library or Cumberland County Life Center. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

LaVada Irene was born on July 14, 1927, south of Greenup, Illinois, the daughter of Virgil and Cora (Hanners) Brown. She was united in marriage to Lee Markwell on October 14, 1949, and they shared nearly fifty years of marriage before he passed away on May 2, 1999. To this union three children were born:  David Lee, Howard Wayne, and Patricia Ann.

LaVada was a secretary at the Ettelbrick Shoe Company for several years. Later, she and Lee owned and operated Markwell’s Mobile Homes and Camper Sales. She was also a volunteer for several organizations and was a member of Cottonwood United Methodist Church. LaVada enjoyed harness horse races, Cardinals baseball, Illini basketball, and watching her children and grandchildren in their various sports and activities. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed cooking for others. Her family was very important to her, and she treasured any time she got to spend with family members. Family visits with LaVada always concluded with “watch for deer, call when you get home” and those most important heartfelt last words - “love you”.

LaVada is survived by children Dave Markwell of Oakwood, Illinois; Howard Markwell of Greenup, Illinois; and Patti Murphy (Brian) of Charleston, Illinois; five grandchildren (Mike Markwell and wife Kaitlyn, Jordan Markwell, Brandon Murphy and wife Kari, Jason Murphy and wife Lindsey, Clayton Murphy and wife Kirsty), and twelve greatgrandchildren (Desiree Markwell, Braxton Markwell, Brylie Cox, Caden Murphy, Logan Murphy, Addison Murphy, Taylor Murphy, Dayton Murphy, Alivia Murphy, Emery Murphy, Kennedy Murphy, and Reese Murphy), as well as several very special nieces and nephews.

LaVada was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Eulah Funk, grandson Chris Markwell, daughter-in-law Marsha Markwell, and her special dog, Sam.