Markay Archer's Obituary
Markay Archer (aka Mama K) passed away peacefully November 25, 2017 in Puyallup, at the age of 80.
She was born in Coquil, OR on April 20, 1937 to Frank R. and Lucile Hendricks. The family then moved to Puyallup, where Markay lived until her death.
She was a proud graduate of Puyallup High School, Class of 1955; and she loved to attend the annual alumni assemblies. Markay became a dental assistant for Dr. John Parrish in Puyallup for a short time. She married Ward Archer on February 28, 1959. Their children and families were honored to host their 50th Wedding Anniversary party on their actual anniversary in 2009, They were married 51 years until Ward's passing in July, 2010.
Together they had three children - Rhonda, Robin and Frank, which Markay was able to stay home to take care of the family.
Markay was a member of many Masonic organizations including: Puyallup Rainbow Assembly #37 where she held several of the offices including Worthy Advisor, Grand Immortality, and Mother Advisor; Naomi Chapter Order of Eastern Star #13, Rhododendron Court Order of Amaranth #8, Zora Temple Daughters of the Nile #5, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America #67 (Which she marched in the Patrol and was captain for several years), Several of those listed she held 50+ and/or life memberships.
She also was a member of The Red Hat Sisters of Puyallup, and a 17 year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Daffodil Auxiliary #2308 in Puyallup (she played Lulu the Clown for several years at the picnics for both the Eagles and Puyallup VFW). Markay also worked many years at the Puyallup Fair as a scone maker, then later a validator and ticket taker at the gates. Markay was a long time member of the First Christian Church in Puyallup.
She loved to travel all over the country with the Lady Shriners for their conventions, family trips to Disneyland and surrounding area for several years; Hawaii and Mazatlán with friends, and bus trips to Reno and Vegas with her husband. She made lots of friends all of her life - many who called her Mama K (originating from first granddaughter Alicia while learning to talk).
She was one of a kind and her family will love and miss her forever.
Markay is preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her children, Rhonda Stucker, Robin (Mike) Sheffer, and Frank Archer; grandchildren Alicia (Ciara) Figliuolo,
Lindsay (Brad) Rasmussen, Scott Palmer, Sara Brown and six great grandchildren Quintyn and Zackery Palmer, Bently Brown-Rasmussen, Braden Rasmussen, Luna and Olive Carter, niece Cheryl (Larry) Cleveland, nephew Dana (Nancy) Kehr and their families.
The family would like to thank Paragon Adult Family Home in Puyallup for their excellent care of Markay for the last three months of her life. She loved the staff (especially Jean and Art) and often joked around with them, as she liked to do with everyone.
The family requests that you wear Christmas, Red Hat, or Hawaiian attire to Honor the Memory of Markay.
What’s your fondest memory of Markay?
What’s a lesson you learned from Markay?
Share a story where Markay's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Markay you’ll never forget.
How did Markay make you smile?

