Madge McKee Dhus

Madge McKee Dhus, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and faithful servant of Christ, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Her life was marked by love, intellect, and unwavering devotion to others. She was an extraordinary woman whose influence reached far beyond classrooms, church walls, and family gatherings, touching countless lives through her love, kindness, intellect, and compassion.

A lifelong educator, Madge taught elementary school for more than 32 years. Teaching was not simply her profession; it was who she was. Whether in the classroom, the church choir room, or her own home, she was always guiding, encouraging, and helping others grow.

Madge's faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life. From the time she was a little girl and throughout her entire adult life, she was a devoted choir member and served faithfully in her church, including as a leader of Presbyterian Women, and as a children's leader with Bible Study Fellowship. She also directed the children's choir at her church for many years, nurturing young hearts through music and faith. Her love for God was evident not only in her service, but in how she lived—steadfast, generous, and full of grace.

She had a deep love for science, especially astronomy. On cold winter nights, Madge could be found outside with her telescope, marveling at God's creation and the beauty of the stars. That sense of wonder never left her, and she delighted in learning throughout her life.

Madge's brilliance was evident early on. She graduated first in her class in high school and went on to Penn State University, where she graduated as Valedictorian, completing her degree in just three years. She also received her master's degree from SUNY New Paltz, where she was again first in her class. Her intelligence, however, was always matched by humility and warmth.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Madge met her beloved husband, Earle, there, and they were high school sweethearts. Together they built a life rooted in love and faith, celebrating more than 65 years of marriage, including their 65th wedding anniversary in June 2025. They lived in many places including Michigan, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY and New Paltz, NY and spent over 30 years in Raleigh, North Carolina, before moving to Williamsburg, Virginia, a place Madge especially loved.

Above all else, Madge loved her family. She is cherished by her husband, Earle; her children Linda (Bob), Andy (Susie), and Aimee (David); her grandchildren Daniel (Karey), Jonathan (Jenna), AJ (Alex), Natalie, Abigail, and Emily; and her great-grandchildren Willow and Drew.

Family was at the heart of her life, and she found her greatest joy in time spent together, celebrating milestones, sharing stories, and simply being present with those she loved.

Madge's life is a testament to faith lived out daily, to the power of education, and to love given freely. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she taught, the children she guided in faith, and the family who treasures her deeply and will miss her.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA. The service will be livestreamed at wcchapel.org/Dhus.