Luella Mae Madden

Luella Mae Madden passed away peacefully on December 18, 2019 surrounded by her family after living a very long, fulfilling life. Born June 17, 1927 on the north edge of Des Moines, Luella lived within a one mile radius of her childhood home for most of her life. As a child she attended a two room school and later graduated from Woodside High School where she had much pride in her basketball team and their accomplishments. She kept life-long relationships with her schoolmates.

Luella met the man who became the love of her life, Francis, and they married in May at the end of her high school years. They had what Francis always referred to as a "millionaire's family" of two girls and two boys. Luella and Francis kept an enormous garden. They took great pride in stocking the shelves with the fruits of their labor and enjoying at the family dinner table for years to come. In a small kitchen she produced wonderful meals, as well as, thousands of Christmas cookies, and tons of peanut brittle inviting friends and family to join in and share recipes and the traditions.

Later, Luella purchased a kiln welcoming friends and family to join her making ceramics around a large table in the basement. It became a Monday night gathering for years to come. Her creations were shared as gifts of love and tokens of appreciation to her friends and loved ones. Many think of her as they hang their ornaments on their Christmas tree each year. A valuable part of those gatherings was the bonding, life lessons, and much laughter. Anyone who came was left with endearing memories.

Working outside the home in medical offices, Luella retired after 17 years with Neuro Associates.  She continued enjoying a life which included wonderful trips and lengthy stays with relatives in Germany and Japan.  She enjoyed a trip to Ireland with her daughter, Eileen, and son, Michael, to welcome St. Patrick's Day in 2000.  She enjoyed taking the train through the mountains to the Northwest and Canada, visiting family along the way, as well as enjoying some National Parks with Eileen and Dan. Her favorite destination, by far, was to Boston where her visits were highly anticipated by her Boston family. Her adventurous spirit led her many places that filled her with wonderful memories.  These memories resided in her and brought many smiles to her face when she could no longer travel.

Luella was deeply loyal and committed to her family and those she loved. She nurtured her relationships with TLC, welcoming each new family member with an open heart.  As we sat with her in her final days, we talked about all who she had shared her home with over the years for one reason or another.  It was surprising, when we started naming them, how many she gave temporary residency to, along with a good meal. That devotion to family and friends was reciprocated and well-deserved.  Luella had an open and loving heart. She truly did “Live, Laugh, and Love" and we are forever grateful!  She now will enjoy the presence and love of those who have gone before her while in the arms of God.

Luella is survived by her children, Michael (Mary Kaye) Madden of Polk City, Cinda Yates of Des Moines, Barry (Sallie) Madden of Van Meter, her son-in-law, Danny Lundberg of Runnells, her grandchildren, Julie Howard of Jacksonville, FL, Christine Drabek of Altoona, Kathleen Yates of Berwick, Michael Madden of Newton, Barry Madden of Des Moines, Emily (Josh) Walkup of Englewood, CO and Sarah (Luke) Frieberg of Des Moines, her many great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis, her parents, Grover and Edna Haynes, her brother, Franklin Haynes, her sister, Jean Lewis, her daughter, Eileen Lundberg, and her grandson, James Lundberg.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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