Susan Wahlen Markham

March 29, 1951 - January 9, 2023 Susan Alma Wahlen Markham, 71 years of age, in Huntington Beach, California, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 9th, 2023. Susan was the 2nd and oldest daughter of 7 children, born March 29, 1951, and raised in Aberdeen, Idaho by Floyd Chester Wahlen and Orva Marie Broadhead Wahlen.

Susan and her 6 siblings: David, Kim, Jan, Wendy, Val, and Eric, were raised in love and laughter. Susan attended Brigham Young University in Provo, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. There, she met and later married the love of her life, Melvin Gerald Markham, in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 5th, 1972. After attending dental school in Chicago, they settled in Huntington Beach raising 6 kids: MaraLee, Melinda, Steven, Gregory, Brian, and Lynn.

Mel and Susan served as mission leaders presiding over the Guatemala City Central Mission from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2017. Susan was a true friend to all and had a gift for connecting with people at a very real level. She blessed the lives of others through her musical abilities in church, community, several schools, and down to one on one instruction in her own home, where payment was optional. The focus was on helping the next generation.

Susan was best remembered not only as a strong mother but as a mother figure to 500 missionaries in Guatemala which earned her the nickname of "GuateMama". Her conviction to the Savior, Jesus Christ, was manifested throughout her life and in all that she said and did.

Susan is survived by her husband Mel Markham. MaraLee Markham Ziebarth (Adam) and their children Allison Ziebarth Higbee (Christian), Jake Ziebarth, Zack Ziebarth, and Travis Ziebarth. Melinda Markham Prior (David) and their children Chandler Prior (Katelyn), and their children, Violet Prior and Booker Prior. Rachel Prior Robbins (Coleman) and their child, Remi Robbins. Ammon Prior, Emily Prior, and Trevor Prior. Steven Markham (Carrie) and their children Sara Markham, and Ben Markham. Gregory Markham (Alyson) and their children, Tanner Markham (Kate), Tyson Markham, Isaac Markham, Isabelle Markham, and Levi Markham. Brian Markham (Cortney) and their children Mikayla Dickinson Evans (Nate), Aubree Dickinson, Jacob Dickinson, and Ashley Markham. Lynn Markham (Cerise) and their children Calvin Markham, Nash Markham, Kento Markham, Kira Markham, and Maya Markham.

A visitation for Susan will be held Friday, January 27, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church, 5402 Heil Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church followed by a graveside service at Westminster Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westminstermemorial.net for the Markham family.