Lynda Madison

Lynda JoAnne "LuLu" Madison, age 66, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with triple-negative breast cancer.

Lynda was born on October 4, 1958, in Jamestown, New York, and was lovingly raised by her mother, Joyce, and stepfather, Roger Fuller. She married the love of her life, Richard T. Madison, on September 26, 1981, in Huxley, Iowa, where they built their home and raised their family.

Her early years were filled with joy—swimming in ponds and sweetcorn roasts with cousins in upstate New York. She graduated from high school after her family relocated to Tucson, Arizona. The frequent moves of her childhood inspired her to create a rooted, loving home for her family in Huxley and later in life, in Elkhart.

Lynda never met a stranger. Her kindness and warmth shone through in her professional life, spending over 20 years with Risco Investments in both management and their corporate office. She thrived in the hospitality industry and most recently returned to the Ballard Community School District as a paraeducator, where she deeply connected with students and staff in a place close to her heart.

Her laugh was infectious. She loved gardening, puzzles, playing cards, beach vacations, and volunteering at Lutheran Church of Hope's Vacation Bible School. Even during her illness, her hands and heart stayed busy—crocheting blankets for her family, each stich filled with love.

A devoted sports fan, Lynda especially loved the New York Yankees, traveling often with her family to catch games. She also enjoyed cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Indiana Fever.

Above all, Lynda's greatest joy was being a grandmother. She adored; Piper, Boston, Parker, Phoenix, Ruby, Olive, Opal, and Oakley—and made every effort to attend their school events, in person or virtually.

Lynda's life was a shining example of love, strength, and held a true faith in Jesus Christ. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Raedena (Keith) Ryan of Owaneco, IL, and Danielle Chrisco of Elkhart and their children; son Brian Madison of Des Moines; foster daughter Annie Tucker of Ames, sister-in-law Annette (Bill) Polich of Madrid; brother-in-law Steve (Vera) Madison of Spencer, IN; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Rick Madison, nephew, Mike Madison; her father and mother-in-law, Richard and Lorraine Madison; and her mother and stepfather, Joyce and Roger Fuller.

A celebration of Lynda's life will be held on Friday, June 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny where her family will greet friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Attendees are welcome to dress in their favorite sports team attire or pink in honor of Lynda and breast cancer awareness.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Lynda Madison Memorial Fund, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, or Can Do Cancer, a nonprofit organization that greatly supported Lynda during her cancer journey.

Deep appreciation is extended to all who supported Lynda throughout her illness. To the many friends and family who offered rides to countless appointments, sat by her side during treatments and hospital stays, and brought comfort through some of her most challenging days, your kindness will never be forgotten.

Sincere thanks also go to the dedicated teams who provided exceptional care to Lynda at Mission Cancer + Blood, UnityPoint at Home, Younker Rehabilitation, Powell 3 Oncology at UnityPoint, and UnityPoint Hospice. Your compassion and professionalism made all the difference.