Elizabeth Ellsworth Madson

ELIZABETH MADSON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Elizabeth "Beth" Ellsworth Madson died peacefully on December 5, 2009, at her daughter’s home, due to complications following surgery. Her family was at her side. Beth was born on February 10, 1927 in Rexburg, Idaho, to Edmund Ellsworth and Ida Wolfli Ellsworth. When she was young, her family moved to Idaho Falls, where she would live the rest of her life. She graduated from Idaho Falls High School and started work as a teller at American National Bank. It was the beginning of a forty-year career. She met Grant Arlo Madson during one of his furloughs, and they began a courtship of letters during the war. They married in October of 1946, after he returned from the service. Beth was a successful businesswoman. She was admired and respected by all who knew her because of her loyalty and integrity. She graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Seattle. When she ended her banking career, she was the first woman Vice President and Manager of her Idaho Falls branch. She also found time for many hobbies, which included oil painting, gardening, and horse-back riding and snowmobiling with the Ammon Trailriders. Beth was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served willingly throughout her life, most prominently in the Young Women’s Presidency, serving a couple mission at the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor’s Center, and tirelessly doing genealogy work. She was also active in the community, serving on many boards including, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, and several others. Although she was an accomplished businesswoman, she was most proud of her success as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Family and church were always her first priorities. Her son, Rand Ray, and daughter, Lizabeth Ann, were the light of her life. After her retirement in 1985, she filled her life with the things she loved most, golfing and her grandkids who she adored. More recently she’s been able to enjoy her great grandchildren as well. She has had many challenges in recent years, surviving breast cancer and the loss of her son and husband. Through it all, she maintained the positive attitude and sunny outlook that we all know and love her for. Beth was survived by her daughter, Lizabeth (Dave) Radford, daughter-in-law, Nancy Madson, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and sister, Ruth (Lavar) Bowen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grant A. Madson; son, Rand R. Madson; her parents, two brothers, and five sisters. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009, at the Ammon LDS Church on Sunnyside and Crowley Road, 4375 E. Sunnyside Rd., with Bishop Dave Radford officiating. Burial will follow in the Ammon Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Wood Funeral Home, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Ammon Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Kim Hall kim.hall@bateman-hall.com I am so sorry to hear about Beth. She was my first banker when I was starting in business and was a great help there as well as a friend and advisor. While I wish I knew something profound to say, in truth when we lose a loved one it just sucks. May the Lord bless you at this time as Beth was a blessing to many during her life. Carol Jensen I was saddened to read aobut sweet Beth. I have known her through the banking/title business for many many years. What a gracious and kind and brilliant woman she was. It was an honor to have known her. May you feel peace and a calming comfort at this tender time. Remember memories are the legacy of love. Rulon and Joan Robison jjhr36@aol.com Our love and condolences are with you at this time. Beth was truly a beautiful and gracious lady, loved by all who knew her. Ruby Sharp Dear Liz and family, We want to express our deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother. She was such a sweet friend and special neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Love, Ruby Sharp and Becky Gerdes J C & Nancy Hart We express our sympathies at the passing of Beth. We know this will create a void in your family, but think of the fond memories you have of her life as a mother, wife, grandmother and business leader and service in the Church. I appreciated the time that I had to serve as her Stake President and enjoyed the visits that we would have together. May your family be blessed at this time. Brent Madson madson@silverstar.com Liz, Hugs and kisses to you and your family. We always enjoyed the times when we could get together as families. Your Mom and Dad were the best. Love, Brent, Flossie, Josh, Shyanne, and kids. LaRae & Reed Belnap rlbelnap@cableone.net Liz, So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always so Sweet. What a classy Lady always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, LaRae and Reed Beverly Wakeman [bevw910@webtv.net] To the Family of Elizabeth: We wish to send our sympathy to you. Because of our health and the cold weather, we won't be able to make it to the services. Doris Barsanti and I were classmates of Beth and had hoped to see her at our class reunion in June, but she forgot it. I saw her frequently at Fairwinds and she seemed to enjoy her life there, so we were surprised to learn of her death. Sincerely, Beverly Wakeman& Doris Barsanti Matt & Sally Rydalch rydalchmattsally@qwest.net Liz, Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Imagine the reunion with your dad and brother! Dane & Sherry Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com Lizabeth, We want to send our condolences on the recent passing of your mother. She will be missed by all who knew her. She was a great person, and her outstanding accomplishments in the community will always be remembered. Sherry and I want you to know that our prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Dane Watkins