Madison Luikens

1988 - 2023

Madison Luikens
09/16/1988 - 08/13/2023
Midland - Madison Cary (Mladenka) Luikens was released from illness and ascended to her eternal form on August 13, 2023, after a 19-month battle with brain cancer. She was 34. Instantly loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her, we remember her as pure magic and a radiant light in this world.
Madison was the beloved daughter of Mark and Cindi Mladenka, born on September 16, 1988. She grew up as an active kid in Midland, Texas, loving to run track, sing in the praise band, and spend summers with her cousins and grandparents in Ruidoso. After high school, she moved to Nashville and attended Belmont University, where she received a Religion in the Arts degree. Madison returned to Midland to work as an Assistant Youth Director at her childhood church and soon married her High School Sweetheart, Zach Luikens, in the fall of 2010.
Madison is preceded in death by her older sister, Jennifer Mladenka; her maternal grandparents, Audra and Jackie Cary; her paternal grandparents, Albin "Joe" and Mary Ann Mladenka. She is survived and grieved by her husband Zach; her parents Mark and Cindi Mladenka; her younger brother Michael and his wife Samatha; her nieces Logan, Ali, and Margot; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, friends, and dogs.
Madison loved to grow and evolve. She pursued many passions across the multiple cities where she and Zach lived. From youth director, women's retreat creator, CrossFit coach, nutritionist, gardener, dog mom, and amateur living room dancer with shoulder moves that rival any dancing queen out there. But at her core, she was an empath and a true artist. She used her experiences and internal wisdom to share her light with others. From photographing seniors before they graduate high school, to her beautiful paintings and poems, she had a magical way of genuinely making others feel seen and the ability to reflect their goodness.
Even after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Madison never stopped creating and sharing her gifts. She entered local art shows and won awards, curated and shared heart-wrenching stories of hope and truth via her Sacred Portrait series, and encouraged others to join in her journey of healing as she embarked on an unknown path. Even still, she constantly shared tidbits of wisdom, sorrow, hope, and love.
While the world is undoubtedly dimmer without Madison, we are encouraged and at peace, knowing that the light and joy she shared still shines in those she loved and who loved her. Madison wasn't ours to keep, and we rejoice in knowing that she is forever healed and eternally singing, dancing, and creating in the heavens and among the stars.
On August 31, 2023, a public Celebration of Life service will be held at First Methodist Church in Midland, Texas, at 10 AM. Madison loved sunflowers and color, so we encourage you to forgo black and dark attire and wear something joyful to celebrate Madison's life.