Jean Madison Adair, 2004

MADISON, CAHOW, THOMAS, COLLINS, MOORE, STERBENZ

Posted By: Mary Giles (email)
Date: 4/27/2005 at 08:26:36

Ethra Jean Madison, 88, of Adair, died Thursday July 1.
Ethra Jean Cahow was born June 16,1916 at Greenfield to Ralph & Treva Rinehart Cahow. She grew up in the Greenfield area & graduated from Greenfield High School at the age of 16. She then attended Normal School.
Jean traveled with the Kay sisters, accompanying their acrobatic programs prior to begin a rural 1-room schoolteacher in Adair County.
On Nov.21,1937 she married Stephen Richard Thomas. 5 children were born to this union. Stephen died in 1955.
Jean married John E.Madison on Jan.10,1957 gaining 3 stepchildren. John died in 1986.
Jean was a 4-H Leader, an organist with the 4 County Players Band, & a longtime member of the Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, Bible School & played the organ at Fairview, Highland & the Adair Churches. She traveled extensively thoughout Japan, Hawaii & Mexico.
In 1991, Jean received the Governor's Volunteer Award from Governor Terry Brandstad for outstanding services to the State of Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Richard Thomas & John Madison; & a brother Leland Cahow.
Jean is survived by her children Richard "Dick" Thomas of Adel, Betty & husband Paul Collins of Harrison, Ark., Roberta "Bobbe" & husband Garry Moore of Surry, Va., Larry Thomas & wife Kikue of Sasebo, Japan, Rosemary & husband James Sterbenz of Dixon, Earnest Madison & wife Beverly of Omaha, Neb., Leon Madison & wife Millie of Lenior, N.C., Gary Madison & wife Dixie of Anita; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews & many friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday July 6, 10 a.m. at the Adair Methodist Church, Adair, with the Rev.Clifford Speck officiating.
Musicall selections were provided by Sandra Lundy pianist & Mary Ann Martz soloist.
Pallbearers were Brian Moore, Scoptt Madison, Anothony Ranson, Doug Madison, Mark Sterbenz & Steve Collins.
Interment was in Fairview Cemetery rural Stuart.