Effa Mae (Carlson) Marker

Effa Mae Marker (Carlson) age 85, of Littleton, passed away at the Gardens at Columbine Memory Care Facility on November 21, 2019 after living there for 7 months. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ralph and daughter Marcee Rodewald (Brett) of Littleton, siblings Dr. Donald Carlson (Diane) of Fishers, IN. and Sue Clark (Ray) of Stafford, VA.  She was preceded in death by her son Matt, age 14 in February 1978, who was killed by a drunk driver.

She was born in 1934 to Helen and Otis Carlson in Fort Collins, CO. where she lived until 1950, when she moved to Colorado Springs. She met Ralph at Colorado Springs High (now Palmer) and graduated in 1952. She and Ralph attended Colorado A & M College (currently CSU), graduated in 1956 and they were married 2 days after graduation, June 10, 1956.   

Effa Mae used her Physical Education degree working for the Redwood City California, Parks and Recreation District 4-years, Colorado Springs Park and Recreation District several years and taught physical education at Widefield Elementary School 7-years. In Littleton, she was the Director of Columbine Knolls Recreation District (CKRD) for 26 years 1975-2001. She developed a new park with tennis courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, shelters, football and soccer fields and restrooms. The park was ultimately named Marker Park after the Marker family. After retirement from CKRD she worked for the Town Hall Arts Center as House Manager part-time.

She was very active in numerous organizations and held several offices, including President of the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association. She received the CPRA Fellowship award in 1982. In 1967 she was selected as Outstanding Woman of Colorado. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and The Junior League of Colorado Springs. She served on various boards and advisory committees such as: Red Cross, Pikes Peak Area of Campfire Girls, El Paso County Park and Recreation District, and the Colorado Tennis Association.

She will be greatly missed by all of those whose lives she touched.  She sewed many dresses for friends and employees for prom, graduation and weddings. Numerous parties and luncheons were hosted by Effa Mae including the annual Christmas Tree gala.

A Celebration of Life in memory of Effa Mae will be held on Saturday December 7th at 10:00 am at The Drinkwine Family Mortuary, 999 W. Littleton Boulevard, Littleton, CO 80120. 

Please dress comfortably, such as business-casual, and perhaps wear something purple to honor Effa Mae.

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