Helen Bradshaw Madden

Madden, Helen Bradshaw died Thursday, April 4th in Wichita. Helen was born March 1, 1921 to Ruben and Ethel Hardy Bradshaw in Las Vegas, NV. She grew up on a cattle ranch in the high desert in Rainbow Canyon at Elgin, NV and later taught school at the Elgin one room School House. On July 26, 1941 she married Bruce B. Madden of Lewis, KS. Helen and Bruce raised their children in Wichita, KS. Helen worked as a decorator for Sears Roebuck and Co. providing custom draperies for thousands of homes in Wichita and in south central Kansas. After Bruce’s death in 1989, she enjoyed many hours volunteering at St. Joseph Medical Auxiliary. Helen took pleasure in life through her family, creating and crocheting afghan blankets, quilting and reading. She shared with all her children and grandchildren the belief that great things come from a good education and hard work. Something of a story teller, she delighted her family with stories of growing up on a ranch north of Las Vegas, NV in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Helen was a committed community volunteer all of her life, giving much time to the Girl Scouts, League of Women Voters, the Election Board and St. Joseph Medical Auxiliary. She is survived by her son Robert B. Madden and his wife Cindy, of Phoenix, AZ, daughters Joan Dingman, and her husband Lyle of Towanda, KS, Sharon Leinbach of Nashville, TN, Carol Cumberland and her husband Hal of Wichita, Marie Hampton and her husband Tony of Wichita. Helen had 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Public visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 pm with a celebration of her life at 1:00 pm Monday, April 8 at Resthaven Mortuary in Wichita, KS. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.