Elena D. Madison

Our loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, Elena D. Madison, 51, of Rigby, was called home Monday, Nov. 21, 2011. She fought a valiant, courageous battle against breast cancer. She passed from this life surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home.

Her journey here on earth began Oct. 19, 1960, in Rigby, at the Rigby Maternity home. She was born to Gilbert L. Duenes and Karen Kae Schneider Duenes. She spent her childhood growing up in Lewisville on what she referred to as "Tuff Street." She loved and cherished those childhood years on "Tuff Street" and believed that she had lived a very enchanted childhood. She attended school at the old stone school house in Lewisville, Midway Elementary, Roberts Middle School and Midway Junior High, and graduated from Rigby High School. She attended Ricks College (BYU-Idaho), majoring in business.

On Dec. 8, 1979, she married Kyle Ashbocker; they made their home in Lewisville, then settled in Rigby. They later divorced, but to this union they had four beautiful children: Brooke, Amber, Skyler and Axel.

In 1984, while living in Lewisville, Elena served as the Lewisville postmistress. Elena received her realtor's license in 1993 and in 2006 received her CSP designation (National Association of Home Builders certificate), and later her Certified Radio Media Consultant designation. She enjoyed the world of real estate and all it had to offer, but her love and passion was sales consulting and marketing.

She was active in community activities and was a member of the Snake River MLS, Ambassadors, Idaho Falls Parade of Homes, Idaho Falls Homebuilder's Association, Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Rigby Study Club. Elena was also a host of realtor and builder golf tournaments, MLS tour host and a presenter of educational and training classes at Ricks College.

On Sept. 13, 1996, Elena married the love of her life, Bradley Madison. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 1, 2011.

Elena was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in ward and stake callings; but her favorite and most rewarding calling was serving for over 28 years as Primary chorister, teaching the children the Primary songs that were so dear to her heart. Elena loved to spend time in her flower, vegetable and herb gardens, and she also enjoyed quilting, reading, sewing, golfing, waterskiing, snow skiing, boating, traveling, grandson nights, decorating for holidays, family barbecues and gatherings in her backyard, and most of all, riding throughout the United States with Brad on the back of "Ruby," their Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Elena lived by these words: "Take time to work, it is the price of success. Take time to think, it is the source of power. Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth. Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom. Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness. Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods. Take time to share, life is too short to be selfish. Take time to laugh, laughter is the music of the soul." Some people walk through life; some people dance -- Elena danced! She had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest every day; she had an enormous love for her family and a very tender spot for her grandchildren, whom she adored.

She is survived by her husband, Bradley Madison; her children, Brooke (Chad) Coles of Rigby, Amber (Dennis) Holst of Ucon, Skyler (Aubree) Ashbocker of Rigby and Axel (Amber) Ashbocker of Rigby; father, Gilbert Duenes of Lewisville; sister, Amy (Lynn) Howe of West Richland, Wash.; grandchildren, Ammon Coles, Ashton Coles, Bella Coles, Gemma Coles, Truxton Holst, Graham Ashbocker and Oaklee Ashbocker; and nieces and nephews, Jenni (Tyler) Devoir, McKenzie Howe, Madeline Howe, Paige Duenes and Tristan Duenes.

Elena was preceded in death by her mother, Karen Kae Schneider Duenes; brother, Shane G. Duenes; and grandparents, Beatrice and Irad Schneider.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the Rigby LDS Stake Center, 258 West First North, with Bishop Ron Young officiating. The family will meet with friends and family from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Friday prior to the services at the Stake Center. Burial will follow at Rigby Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.

The family expresses their appreciation and gratitude to the community of Rigby for their love and support through this difficult time; to Dr. Daine Dickson at Teton Oncology and his staff; Dr. Leigh Neumayer at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City; and the Aspen Home Health Care for their service and compassion, and a special thanks to Janel for your tenderness and extraordinary care.

Family Tribute