Virginia Dora Madeen

Virginia Dora (Wanderer) Madeen went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 27th at 6:00 PM at the age of 96, at Valley View Estates in Hamilton, as her little body just plain wore out. She was born August 18th, 1915 on the family ranch in Clancy, Montana of Ralph Matthew Wanderer and Gladys Virginia (Mitchell) Wanderer. Virginia graduated from Hamilton High School in June of 1933.
She married Murray Louis Madeen, Sr. on September 1st, 1934 in the parsonage of the United Methodist-American Baptist Federated Church in Hamilton. They lived first in Missoula, then in Butte. She returned to Hamilton in 1987 where she remained for the rest of her life.
Virginia was a homemaker and a dedicated Mom. In 1964, whilst living in Butte, to help put daughter Virginia (Gina) through college, she became employed in the Clerical Department at Montana Tech, later becoming the head of Central Typing, retiring in 1980.
While in Butte, she was an active member of the United Congregational Church, teaching Sunday School and serving wherever else she was needed. Prior to her marriage, and following her return to Hamilton, she was a devoted member of the United Methodist-American Baptist Federated church of Hamilton.
In Hamilton, she was active in several bridge groups and the women's group at her church. Always wanting to be of help, she volunteered for a number of years at the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and also served as an election judge.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings; Lum, Lillian Peterson, Ralph Jr., Peter, Steve (WWII), Tom (WWII), and Peggy Schultz; husband of 47 years, Murray, Sr., children Murray Madeen Jr., Gail (Madeen) Jones; grand-daughter Barbie Jones and great-grand-daughter Meghan Jones.
She is survived by; daughter Virginia (Gina) Opitz (Bob), Victor, son Craig Madeen (Kay) of Midland, Texas. sister-in-law Helen Madeen of Hamilton, daughter-in-law Doree Madeen of Aiken, South Carolina., and son-in-law Bill Jones of Deer Lodge.
She is also survived by grandchildren Gladys Burns (Douglas), Michelle Peterson, Murray Madeen III (Michelle), Jennifer Jones (William), Doree Jo McKellips (Mike), Col. William Jones (Donna), Meredith Czarnek (Alan), Lt. Col. David Jones (Kayla), Carrie (Madeen) Benson (Ted) and Heather Ewing.
In addition, she is survived by great-grandchildren; Traci (Burns) Repko (Jason), Kelli (Burns) Mitchell (Jack), Cammi Burns, Jessie (Turnbow) Levey (Darrel), Sarah (Turnbow) Larson (Frank), Murray Madeen IV (Gennifer), Brandon Madeen, Chris Madeen (Corinne), Nicole (Madeen) Przybylowicz (Michael), Dalton Madeen, Josh Jones, Jeremiah Jones (Leighton), Candace (Jones) Bravo (Robby), Emily and Allie Jones, Cody (McKellips) See (Billy), Mylissa Jones, Emily S. Jones, and Lillie (Jones) Schroeder (Dane), Colton, Ben, Daniel, and Elizabeth Jones, and Trysten Ewing.
Finally Virginia is survived by great-great-grandchildren; Tyler and Averi Repko, Ashtyn, Jace, and Brayden Mitchell, Declan Levey, Emerson Jones, Aidan Bravo, Hazel Przybylowicz, and Charlie Jo Schroeder.
Virginia also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews around the country, but locally; Sue Peterson, Tom Peterson (Kathy), Bridget Wanderer, Georgia Filcher, Matt Schultz (Karolyn), Marcie Schultz, Ron Madeen (Margaret), Bonnie Bruggemann (Clint), Great nephews Leon, Todd and Paul Madeen, great-niece Melissa Peterson and her sons Dillon and Matthew.
Also remaining are dear friends; Margaret Rhodes, Joan Pickard, both of Hamilton, Pat Kendall of Palos Verdes, California, Linda Neyt also of Hamilton, and all her dear caregivers at Valley View Estates, especially Pat Golay, Kari Brooker, Mary Quinsland, and Ty Parks.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend to all. She loved to help others and instilled in her children the need to do likewise. She was a great matriarch, loved by all and will truly be missed by those whose lives she touched. Having gone on to be with her Lord, she is now dancing in Heaven with her beloved husband Murray.
Memorials may be made to the United Methodist-American Baptist Church, 211 N. 6th, Hamilton, 59840, or to a charity of your choice in the name of Virginia Madeen.