- Date Of Birth: November 25, 1921
- Date Of Death: October 25, 2015
- State: Idaho
Madilyn L. Adams was born to Howard and Edna Steele on November 25, 1921 in Los Angeles, CA. She died on October 25, 2015 at her home in Boise, ID with her loving family at her side.
Madilyn grew up in Los Angeles in the home where she was born. In 1937, her father took a job in the oil fields of Colombia, and the family moved to Bucaramanga, Colombia where they lived for about two years.
When the family returned to the United States, Madilyn finished high school and shortly after graduation went to Santa Barbara, CA where she took a course to become a machinist for the Navy. She was the top of her class which included several men. When one of the men complained that she got her rating first, their supervisor said, “Madilyn never has returns; you do.”
In June, 1945, Madilyn married Ancel “Red” Adams. They lived for a short time in Utah, then moved to Southern California.
Though Madilyn and Red had no children, they were aunt and uncle to not only their own nieces and nephews but to many children of friends and neighbors.
When Madilyn’s great-niece, Caryn, was born, Madilyn took a break from work so she could be available to play. She spent many hours over the next five years playing with and caring for this next generation whenever possible.
When she returned to work, she quickly became the Office Administrator for one of the Branch offices at China Lake. During her working years she earned two Outstanding and one Superior Accomplishment awards. Madilyn and Red moved to Council, ID in 1978 and then to Boise, ID in 1990.
Madilyn was an amazingly creative person. She was an accomplished knitter, usually designing her own patterns. She sewed all her own clothes while she was working. She took up woodcarving and made a tray and a lovely chicken sculpture. She also made a mosaic-top coffee table that she designed showing a beautiful coastal scene. When she retired, she taught herself to quilt. Her first quilt was a Celtic quilt that took first place and best of show in the Ontario, OR quilt show.
Madilyn was also a self-taught organic gardener. She grew some of the most luscious vegetables while living in Council.
Madilyn and Red were travelers and animal lovers.
Madilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Edna Wickander Steele and Howard LeGrande Steele; by both her older and younger sisters, Virginia Schults and Elaine Meylink; as well as her nephews, John Hathwell, Tom Meylink, and Richard Meylink.
She leaves behind her nieces, Christine Hathwell and Nancy Chaffin; great-nieces, Elizabeth, Caryn, Deborah, Erin, Heather, and Sandra; and her great-nephews, Sean, Howard, Chad, Bren, Jonathan, and Christopher. But mostly, she leaves a huge hole in our lives!
