Madelon Parkinson

SUGAR CITY -- Our dearest mother, Madelon Lufkin Parkinson, of Sugar City, age 72, passed away on May 15, 2008, to return Home and to reunite with her eternal companion.

She was born May 11, 1936, at Annis, Idaho, to Ryland Townsend Lufkin and Belva Kinghorn Lufkin. She attended Annis Elementary, Rigby High School (salutatorian), Ricks College and Utah State University. She taught the sixth grade in Shelley while waiting for her beau to return from his LDS mission.

Madelon married her sweetheart, Donald L Parkinson, on March 18, 1960, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. She and Don raised their family on a farm in the Moody area. She was a wonderful mother, and provided an example of love, of compassion and of service to others. She loved following her children and grandchildren to each of their sporting events and performances.

She was active in the LDS Church serving in various stake and ward positions as a camp director, with the young women, Blazer Scouts, in music and in the primary. Madelon committed much of her life to the Boy Scouts of America in leadership and training positions. She received the Silver Beaver Award. She also served on the Board of Directors for Upper Valley Industries and with other organizations committed to serving those with special needs, where she devoted countless hours of unconditional service. She had a very unique and remarkable ability to love all and serve all.

Madelon had the gift of lifting the hearts and souls of many with her music. She sang at numerous funerals, performed for the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, at the Senior Citizens Center, and could often be found around a campfire or in front of others singing and playing her guitar.

She is survived by three sons, Brad (Michelle) of Sugar City, Ted (Suzann) of Rexburg, and Richard (Karla) of South Jordan, Utah; three daughters, Lorelei (Brian) Stewart of Rexburg, Sheri of Sugar City, and Jolyn (Bart) Place of Meridian, Idaho; one brother, Bryan T. Lufkin of Covington, Washington; and two sisters, Loaine Geisler of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Alice Ann Harrop of Decatur, Illinois; 25 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Donald L. Parkinson.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, at the Sugar City LDS Stake Center, with Bishop John Hymas conducting. The family will visit with friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday before services at the church. Burial will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.

Family Tribute