Janice Louise Markus
Janice, cherished widow of Edward Errol Markus and beloved matriarch of her community, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024, at her home in Katy, Texas. Born on March 19, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Frank and Helen Rudrow, Janice's life was marked by her compassion, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.
On July 31, 1965, Janice married the love of her life, Edward Errol Markus, at the First Christian Church in Lufkin, Texas, the same church in which they professed their faith in Christ through baptism. After some years living in Dallas and West Houston, the couple moved to Katy in April of 1979, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared passions until Edward's passing on August 18, 2021. She called the same house her home for more than 45 years, up until the moment she came into her place in God’s Kingdom.
An avid reader and enthusiastic fan of British television, Janice also possessed a love for art and history. Her extensive knowledge enriched the lives of all who knew her. She seemed to know at least a little bit about just about everything and, whether sharing something she knew or learning something new, she was always excited to engage in conversations on just about anything.
Janice plied her God-given gifts in myriad pursuits throughout her lifetime. A 1962 graduate of Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, she went on to attend the University of Oklahoma and later Stephen F. Austin State University as an undergraduate, receiving both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from SFA. As a young adult, she worked as a school teacher in Huntington, Texas. After moving to Katy, while working as a home maker, she also started a boutique catering business out of her home called Jan’s Basket of Goodies, which specialized in baked desserts, such as wedding cakes and other treats like panorama sugar eggs and petit fours. She worked as a substitute teacher in Katy ISD for many years, even having the opportunity to sub for her children’s classes, on occasion. She was also a volunteer at her children’s schools, including starting the APPLES parent volunteer program at Katy Elementary School. Janice’s leadership shone brightly as she helped to foster a tight-knit community and worked to enhance the educational environment through her efforts. She later worked as a Farmers Insurance agent, before embarking on a career in Booking & Reservations with Continental / United Airlines that lasted more than 20 years.
Renowned among her neighbors as "The Dean of Hackberry Lane," Janice's kindness and cheerful demeanor made her a beloved figure in her community. Over the years, Janice attended a number of churches in the old-town Katy area, strengthening existing relationships and forging new friendships, as well as occasionally attending her children’s churches in The Woodlands and Clear Lake in her later years.
Her love for animals mirrored her nurturing spirit, almost constantly caring for and enjoying the company of numerous, beloved pets, as well as the “wild critters” that called her yard home throughout her life. She instilled this same, lifelong love for animals in both of her children.
Janice leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, devotion, wisdom, and community spirit that will continue to live on through her friends and family. She was a guiding light, a source of strength, and the epitome of a matriarch.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Errol Markus, and her parents, Frank and Helen Rudrow. She is survived by her children, Edward “Ted” Markus, Jr. and his wife Eilene of Clear Lake, and Mandy Markus Drake and her husband David of Spring; granddaughter, Maddy Drake; her beloved cat, Ladybug; and many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Janice's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Schmidt Funeral Home Grand Parkway Chapel, in Katy with Pastor Karl Garcia of Clear Creek Community Church officiating. If you plan on attending, please come as you are, and feel free to wear bright, vibrant colors, if you like. Janice would enjoy that.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial contribution to The Salvation Army at www.salvationarmy.org or animal rescue charities Mac’s Mission at www.macsmission.org and Houston-based Street Life to the Sweet Life at www.streetlifetothesweetlife.com
Funeral services held under the direction of
Schmidt Funeral Home
1344 W. Grand Parkway South ~ Katy, Texas 77494 ~ (281) 391-2424