Ottilie Markholt (February 25, 1916-November 25, 2004) was an American trade unionist, labor historian, and political activist who spent most of her life in Tacoma, Washington.

[2] As a single mother, Markholt worked hard to tend to the farm and provide for her children while money was extremely tight.

Markholt and Dombroff left the Communist Party in 1936 due to disagreements with Harry Bridges but remained members of the MFPC.

[2] After leaving the Communist Party, Markholt remained involved in the labor movement and civil rights activism.

She became involved with the Congress of Racial Equality while traveling to Buffalo, New York, in 1964[2] and was an organizer in the Seattle School Boycott of 1966.

In 1989, Markholt coordinated the publication of her book To Live in Dignity and a photographic history exhibit for Washington State centennial celebrations.

Markholt wrote a plethora of material related to labor history throughout her life, including countless articles, newsletters, and manuscripts.

Encouraged by Ralph Chaplin and Archie Green, Markholt worked on the book in the 1950s and published it in 1998 after raising money through community donations.