Patricia Ann Markle

Patricia Ann (Wood) Markle, age 90, passed away on March 3, 2021 in Hastings, Michigan. She was born on May 23, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Howell and Nita Wood. She spent her growing up years in Caledonia, where she graduated in 1948.

Pat's college degrees were obtained from Western Michigan University, where she met her future husband, Fred Markle. They were married in 1955 and moved to Hastings the following year, where Fred took a job with E. W. Bliss, and she continued her teaching career at Hastings Public Schools for over 30 years.

Pat was a member of the W.M.U. Alum Club, Retired Teachers Association (M.E.A.), Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Hastings Arts Council, Hastings Country Club, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and the Barry Community Foundation, where she served on the board.

Her hobbies were Bridge, traveling and being with family and friends. She and two other teachers authored a book entitled, Hastings Long Ago for the Hastings students. This book received the Governor's Michigan Week award, and in her retirement, Pat wrote and published three children's books.

Pat is survived by her son James (Tammy) Markle of Hastings, MI, daughter Mary Beth (Clayton) Lawler of Plymouth, MI, granddaughter Amy Lawler of Plymouth, MI, step-grandchildren Amanda (Issac) Williams-Smith of Hastings, Michigan, Tom (Chrissie) Williams of Middleville, MI, Kristin (Ryan) Argo of Hastings, MI, 8 great-grandchildren, brother Barry (Shellie) Wood of Washington DC, Nieces Andrea (Ethan) O'Reilly of New York, NY, Jenna (Kayvon) Salimi of New York, NY, and nephew Nick Wood of Washington DC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Pat's honor to Barry Community Foundation, www.barrycf.org, 231 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 or Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation (HEEF) 232 West Grand Street, Hastings MI, 49058.  A special thanks to Woodlawn Meadows Assisted Living and Spectrum Health Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W Center St, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.