Madelynn Stevens

Madelynn Jean Stevens, age 26, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023, in Altoona, Iowa.
Madelynn, also known as Madi to her family and friends, was born on December 2, 1997, in Des Moines. She attended Ankeny Schools and Ankeny Christian Academy. After graduation she took classes at DMACC and ultimately decided to attend pet grooming school in Davenport in 2018.

Madi loved her family above all else and received her greatest joy from being with her son, James. She put all of her energy into her little ray of sunshine since his birth in February of 2019. Through her struggles she always amazed us at her drive to make sure James felt loved and secure. He was her ‘everything’ and they spent countless hours reading books and playing. Their very favorite activities were painting and crafting.

Madi had a love for all animals and found comfort being with her cat, Scruffy. Madi was incredibly smart, artistic, compassionate, thoughtful, and loving and has passed these traits on to her son, James. Unfortunately, Madi was a very private person so most did not get to experience and enjoy all of her special gifts. Her parents, Scott and Lori, and Craig and Stacy, were always her biggest cheerleaders and passionately loved her with their whole hearts.

Madi enjoyed her time working in the pet care field, but her most enjoyable role was being a mom to James. James was fortunate to not have to go to daycare and to be cared for by his mommy every day. She learned to play the piano and guitar, took dance and played soccer in her younger years. Madi was not only a beautiful person on the outside but carried a quiet beauty within. Most will remember her for her perfect makeup, blonde hair, radiant smile and eye-catching beauty.

She adored her older sister, Brianna, who was her best friend and confidant who she could openly share her life with and never feel judged. Brianna’s passing in March of 2021 left a huge void in Madi’s heart.

Madi’s time on this earth was cut too short but we know she is free of her chains and is walking hand in hand with Brianna. We have no doubt she will be watching over James until the end of time. Mental illness is a thief and far too many suffer from anxiety and depression. Please continue to show love, kindness and grace to those around you. Madi found faith and peace in God, and we find comfort that we will see her again. We know she is finally at peace resting in the arms of our Lord.

Madi is survived by her son, James Bradley Cawthorn, her parents, Lori and Scott Ferris and Craig and Stacy Stevens; siblings, Katelynn (Josh) Kanis, Rita (Tom) Thompson, Lisa (TJ) Stevens-Trevillyan, Jeff Gilbertson, Maddie (Jake) Panek and Morgan (Johnny) Wentland; her nieces and nephew, Margo and Calvin Kanis, Elsa Steffes, Olivia Panek, Rylee Wentland, and Prudence and Freya Thompson; her grandparents, Bruce and Delores Early, Butch Ferris, Ralph and Katie Lane, Judy Durant and Jane Parrigin-Hasley; her special friend and James’ daddy, John Cawthorn; and many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her very much.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Brianna Stevens, nephew, Cooper Panek, Uncle Duane Foumal and her paternal grandparents.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m., prior to the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 6th, at New Life Church at 6036 NE 12th Ave., Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Private graveside services will take place at a family cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts will be put towards a college fund for her son, James.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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