Virginia Markham; Newspaper Executive

Virginia Lawrence Markham, 89, who for 40 years was vice president of Antelope Valley Newspapers. With her late husband, Ralph, Markham bought the Antelope Valley Press in 1958. She helped guide the growth of the newspaper and the cities it serves, Palmdale and Lancaster. In addition to her work with the newspaper, Markham was active in several organizations, including the UCLA Chancellors Circle and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. She also served as president of her local Rotary Anns service club. Her eldest son, William Colfax Markham II, is publisher of the Antelope Valley Press. Markham’s husband was a co-owner of the Van Nuys News and Green Sheet, now known as the Daily News of Los Angeles. On Tuesday in Palmdale.