Memorial services set for Kaitlyn and Hailey Markus, Jenner sisters killed in crash

Memorial services for Hailey and Kaitlyn Markus, the 4- and 6-year-old sisters from Jenner who died in a pickup crash into the Russian River, will be held Wednesday.

A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parent-Sorensen Mortuary at 301 South Main St. in Sebastopol.

A burial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 17499 Bodega Highway in Bodega.

The sisters died Tuesday when they were trapped in a submerged pickup after it crashed into the river. Their mother, Sarah Markus, 32, who was driving, escaped from the vehicle and could not get to the girls. Bystanders and first responders also jumped in the river and tried to rescue the girls.

Hailey and Kaitlyn attended school in Monte Rio. They are survived by their parents, Sarah and Josh Markus of Jenner, their stepbrother, Adam Markus, and their grandparents, Elizabeth Gallagher of Jenner, Karen Markus of Citrus Heights and Earl Markus of Sacramento.

A GoFundMe site started by friends has raised more than $22,000 for the family.

Donations can also be made through the Jenner Community Club, with checks made out to the club and a memo designating the funds for the Markus family. The donations can be sent to any Westamerica Bank branch.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at 707-521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.