Janet "Jan" Ann Marks (Hakenholz), 77 passed away peacefully on May 17th 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was a woman of faith defined by compassion, strength, intellect, creativity, humor, and love for her family and others. She believed deeply in people, in equality, and in encouraging others to fully be themselves. Whether she was spending time with her family, mentoring students, advocating for others, hosting family and friends in her home, or offering wisdom and encouragement, Jan made people feel heard and supported.

A visitation with family greeting friends will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2026 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Jan was born on September 18, 1948, in Mason City, Iowa, to Robert Otto Hakenholz and Dorothy Marie Hakenholz (Lindberg). She later lived in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Overland Park, Kansas, where she graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in 1967.

She attended Emporia State University (Kansas State Teachers College) earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre with a minor in English in December of 1970. During her time there, she was an active member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, forming lifelong friendships. She met her husband Steve at ESU and they were married June 1970. She later earned her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Oklahoma State University in July 1975, beginning a remarkable career devoted to helping others.

For 38 years, Jan served Oklahoma State University as a tenured faculty member in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She served as an instructor, clinical supervisor, advisor, mentor, and leader who impacted generations of speech-language pathologists. She had a passion for teaching, particularly early intervention. She coordinated innovative programs, presented nationally, and served in leadership roles at both the state and national level within the speech-language-hearing profession. Her dedication earned numerous honors, including recognition for outstanding mentorship and the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Professor Award in 2002.

Jan's impact extended beyond the university. She served as a Lamaze instructor, taught aerobics at the Colvin Center and BodyWorks, worked for many years as a speech-language pathologist with Stillwater Medical Center Home Health, and faithfully served community organizations and her church.

Jan's greatest joy was her family. She made everyday moments feel special. She had quick wit and brought fun to everyday occasions. She was truly the "hostess with the mostess." She loved gathering people together and entertaining. She enjoyed decorating, arranging flowers, painting, sewing, gardening, baking, cooking, and crafts. She was always fashionable, wearing the latest trends. She loved traveling, music, storytelling, mystery novels, singing, and playing both piano and guitar.

Jan is survived by her husband Steve Marks; daughter, Stephanie Marks; son, Christopher Marks and wife Melissa Marks; sister, Carol Straka and husband Bill of Stillwater, Minnesota. Other beloved surviving family members include sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

To know Jan was to be encouraged, welcomed, challenged to grow, and deeply loved. Her voice, laughter, creativity, and generous spirit will be profoundly missed, but her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

Memorial donations may be made to the OSU Foundation for the Janet Marks Endowed Scholarship. Checks should be made payable to the OSU Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749, or gifts may be made online at https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=20-03700. Please note that your donation is in memory of Janet Marks.