Ailda Markus Flack passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, surrounded by her loving family. Ailda was born January 20, 1937, in Lufkin, Texas, to Gertrude and Perry Markus.
Ailda graduated from Lufkin High School, before attending the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in broadcast journalism. Subsequently, she moved to Dallas, where she met and married the love her life, Robert Pace Flack, in 1961. Ailda and Robert created a beautiful life and family together, which grew to include a son, Samuel William “Bill” Flack, of blessed memory, in 1963, and a daughter, Hilary Flack Karchmer, in 1970.
Her maternal, nurturing spirit made Ailda an exceptional wife, mother, and homemaker. Her genuine, caring nature led her to a true calling, working with mentally disabled children at the United Way’s Children’s Development Center in Dallas. She continued teaching elementary school children throughout much of her adult life.
After raising their two children, Ailda and Robert moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1990, where they cultivated a wonderful new circle of friends. Ailda taught at Erna Krouch Preschool, where she eventually taught her own grandchildren, Sam and Haley Karchmer. She later retired to enjoy life as a full-time, doting grandmother.
In her later years, Ailda’s strength and resolve was further exemplified as she battled Alzheimer’s disease.
She is survived by her daughter, Hilary Flack Karchmer, son-in-law, Donald B. Karchmer, grandchildren, Sam and Haley Karchmer, sister, Sondra Friedson, and countless nieces and nephews, whom she adored.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert Pace Flack, son, Samuel William “Bill” Flack, father, Perry Markus, and mother, Gertrude Markus.
A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations in Ailda’s memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Heartline Oklahoma, or the Erna Krouch Preschool Fund at Temple B’nai Israel in Oklahoma City, OK.
The family would like to thank the incredibly dedicated caregivers at Heaven House, who went above and beyond to make Ailda feel safe and loved in her final years.
Pallbearers will include Haley Karchmer, Sam Karchmer, Don B. Karchmer, David Flack, David Fields, Scott Harris, and David Friedson. Gerald Ray will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
