Madonna J. Durham

Madonna Jean Durham “Miss Madonna”
Waukee

Madonna Durham went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 25, 2022, at the age of 93. She was born in Rexfield, Iowa, on April 21, 1929, the daughter of Perry and Naomi (Engstrom) Welch.

Madonna grew up in Melcher Dallas, Iowa, and later moved to Des Moines where she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947. In1989, she was united in marriage to Henry L. “Hank” Durham and moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas where they lived for 30 years. Together they enjoyed attending church, traveling, and volunteering until his passing in 2009.

As a devout Christian, the love she had for her church and Jesus filled her heart. She loved teaching Sunday school, acting as a Baxter County Prayer Warrior, and sharing the word of God with others.

Madonna was a member of the Hawkeye Thimblers and Extension Club where she made Christmas gifts for those in need. Her hobbies were vast and included singing and dancing, playing instruments such as the ukulele and autoharp, collecting, eating out, taking pictures, reading, and bird watching. She had a special love for her dog Little Fuzzy, and later in life, kitties.

She will be remembered as a gorgeous woman; a real head turner her whole life, and a spiffy dresser. Having her hair done and wearing makeup was important to her.

Above all else, Madonna treasured her family and their time spent together. Those left to cherish her memory include sisters, Joanie Moll and Janet (Jack) Porter; brother-in-law, Carl Moll; sons, Chuck (Terri Vioglavich) Sample, Mike (Dawn King) Sample, and Daryl Sample; her daughter, Joy (Brad Jump) Schneider. She is also survived by her step children, Mary (Doug) Neves, Ruth (Ron) Harrison, and Bill (Kate) Durham; many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as friends near and far.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Philip Welch; sisters, Carol Welch and Marilyn Welch; husband Hank Durham; and her precious Fuzzy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, where the family will greet visitors one hour prior to service time. Burial at Melcher Dallas Cemetery will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Miss Madonna.

Condolences may be expressed online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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