Betty Jewel Madsen

Betty Jewel Madsen, 79, of Grayling, passed away on October 3, 2007. Betty was born September 5, 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina to the late Joseph Underwood and Viola "June" Bridges. Her parents moved to Crawford County so her Mother could teach music and her father a stonemason. Betty grew up in a home of music, studied dance, and became the "Shirley Temple" of Grayling. She attended Crawford AuSable School and later attended the Battle Creek Kellogg Foundation School. Betty married Howard Madsen in 1944 and became the proud mother of eight (8) children within twelve years. After raising her family, Betty returned to Grayling High School to acquire her GED. Betty ranked #1 in motherhood, attending five daughters and three son's sporting events, recitals, camps and all the extras for her children. She was a devoted wife and loved the Michelson United Methodist Church, her community as well as her many friends. Betty supported the performing arts programs for years, performed years in the Milltown Follies, walked three miles every day, loved politics, enjoyed the ladies in her swimming group her weekly arts & crafts ladies. She belonged to various organizations, her favorite was the Grayling Charter Chapter #83 Order of the Eastern Star where she served as past Worthy Matron. Betty is survived by her eight (8) children: Sherrie Cole, Sharron Gabriel (Gerald), Shirley Hayes (Pat), Howard S. Madsen (Ann), Jerry Madsen (Jackie), Susan Nave (Charles), Robert Madsen (Kathryn), and Sandra Moore. Betty is also survived by her brother Reverend Frank Gross, Jr. from Ohio. Betty lived to watch her eight (8) children, nineteen (19) grandchildren and twenty two (22) great-grandchildren prosper and beamed at their accomplishments from all over Michigan to Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Washington. "A Celebration of Life" was held Monday, October 8, 2007 at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church, with her dear friend Dr. Bill Cargo and her brother, Reverend Frank Gross, Jr. officiating. A family internment of Betty's cremains was held at Elmwood cemetery with brother Frank and "Betty's Song" written and performed by her son Howard and grandson Kane Madsen. Memorial contributions may be made to Betty's favorite past times "Wellington Farm Park" or the "COA Senior Center Activities Department". To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Jewel Madsen, please visit our flower store.