Elizabeth Madden

Edith Elizabeth Mathewes Madden, daughter of Edith (Clemmons) and Homer Laurance Mathewes was born November 13, 1928 in Ruston, Louisiana and died peacefully at the Linder home in Keithville, LA, February 14, 2022. Elizabeth graduated from Ruston High School and attended Louisiana Tech. She married the love of her life and her high school sweetheart Joe Madden April 30, 1950. In 1963, Elizabeth and Joe relocated from Ruston to Natchitoches, LA, where they resided the remainder of their 65 years of married life. Elizabeth loved her church and was extremely active in the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches; their Fisherwomen’s Sunday school class, prayer and study groups. Early on, she became a girl scout leader and was instrumental in stating a troop in Natchitoches. She actively participated in Chapters I and AP of P.E.O, becoming a P.E.O. Golden Girl with over 50 years of service. She was a member of the Ruston Junior League, Service League of Natchitoches, Beta Sigma Pi, Master Gardeners, and founding member of the Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Elizabeth loved entertaining friends and family by serving up great hospitality and delicious food. Her yard full of unique and special flowers (especially white ones) was to be envied; providing just that extra touch to make her flower arrangements perfect. Elizabeth and Joe traveled many a mile to enjoy the company and pleasure of their various friends and camping groups. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law, Sonny Plunkett of Waskom, TX, sister and brother-in-law Sue and William Rauss of Salemsburg, NC. She is survived by daughters Emily (Rayburn) Smith of Clarence, LA and Margaret Plunkett of Waskom, TX; grandchildren Carrie Brewton (Travis Tyler) of Clarence, LA, Laura Richerson (Jeremy) of LeCompte, LA and Joel Smith (Hollie Pierce) of Clarence, LA; great-grandchildren Jack Brewton, Levi Richerson, Madden Richerson and Sutton Elizabeth Smith. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 15 at the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches – Crossroads chapel from 5 until 7 pm. A graveside service will be held at Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches with Gary Willis officiating. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 411 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA, 71457, the Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services, 904 DeVille Lane, Ruston, LA 71270 or the charity of choice.