Cledys Louise (Beard) Markley, age 92, of Warrensburg, MO, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024.  Her unwavering faith guided her through all of life's challenges and triumphs, and her love for her family and friends was boundless. She was known for her infectious energy, her beautiful smile, and her ability to light up any room she entered.

Cledys was born November 24, 1931, in Linn, MO, the daughter of John Henry and Gertie May Beard.  She graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1949.  On October 29, 1949, Cledys and Cleo Joseph Markley were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg.  The couple made their home on a farm west of Warrensburg where they raised dairy cattle. Cleo and Cledys built a beautiful life and family together being married for an extraordinary 68 years.   In addition to the farm, Cledys raised and loved six children.  When the youngest child started school, Cledys attended cosmetology school at night.  Once she was licensed, she started her own beauty salon.  Cledys continued to style her way through the world until she was well into her 70's. While running a business and raising six children would weary most people, Cledys had boundless energy. She was a devoted wife, making the raising of six children and tending to every need of Cleo look effortless. Her nurturing spirit was evident in every meal she prepared and every moment she dedicated to her family. Cleo always had a full belly and never an empty tea glass, a testament to her unwavering care and love. Her tireless devotion and unwavering love created a warm and welcoming home for all who entered.

Throughout her life, she epitomized the spirit of giving with her kind and selfless servant's heart. Cledys volunteered at school, church, delivered meals on wheels, sewed clothes for her family, coached her daughters' softball teams, took care of a garden, and somehow could whip up the best meals and desserts to take to family, neighbors, friends and fundraisers whenever anyone needed cheering up or a warm thank you.  Those of you that were lucky enough to taste her pies, cakes, or ice cream had a little slice of heaven filled with Cledys love.

Cledys was also a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, lovingly referred to as her "doll babies." She poured her heart into every moment spent with them, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Cledys is survived by six children: Mary Jane Markley (wife of Ray Markley); Charles Markley and wife, Renee; Dennis Markley and wife, Cathy; Diana Holdinghausen and husband, Mark; Susan Urie and husband Chris; and Ron Markley and wife, Tina; siblings: Elbert Beard and wife, Dorothy; and Harold (Pete) Beard; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. They  will forever cherish her memory and strive to honor her legacy of faith, love, and resilience. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo; her son, Ray; her grandson, Corey Urie; and two brothers, Marion Lee and Eugene Beard.

Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg with Father Andrew Kleine officiating.  Interment will follow at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2024  at the church. Cledys showed love through feeding and helping others.  Please honor her legacy by donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County in lieu of flowers.

Please honor her legacy by donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County in lieu of flowers.