Midge was born on April 15, 1943, in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, to Rodger and Margaret Rager. At a young age, her family moved to California. Here she developed her love of art. She attended San Francisco Fine Arts Institute. Throughout her life, she showed her creative streak through crafting, beading, painting, sketching, scrapbooking, sewing, making jewelry, and decorating cakes.
In 1959, Midge met the love of her life, James “Jim” Markus, Sr. They married in June of 1962 and shortly thereafter began their family, having three children. Jim and Midge loved traveling together. They traveled the world, taking in many countries and cultures. Upon moving to North Carolina, in 1978, they became involved in Messiah Moravian Church, eventually transferring membership and finishing their service at Christ Moravian Church in Winston Salem. Upon their retirement, Jim was the president of the local chapter of the Airstream Club and Midge was his First Lady.
Midge began working at the age of 18 in various fields for companies including United Airlines, Tennessee Airways, Ogden-Allied, Ciba-Geigy, and Luxor Fashion Eyewear.
Midge leaves behind her husband of nearly 60 years, Jim; children, Renee Martin, Jimmy Markus (Matt Wright), and Jerry Markus; grandchildren, Dr. Victoria “Tori” Deniss Martin, Alexsis Von Martin, and Casdan Dare Markus; brother, David (Athena) Rager; nieces and nephews, Alfred Rager, Wendy Rager, Margaret Williams, Janet Rager, Jason Zumsteg, Kayla Martin, Crystal Vega, Darren Wolstad, David Rager Jr, Derek Rager, Natalee Rager, Dominic Rager, Danika Rager, and many other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Rodger “Butch” Rager, Jr., and niece, Baylee Rager.
The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 2pm on Saturday, June 12, 2021, followed by a celebration of life at 3pm at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Midge’s honor to the American Diabetes Association.
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