Ruby Madson

Ruby Madson passed away on August 13, 2024. Ruby was a first generation American, her parents having immigrated from Lier, Norway in 1913. Born and raised in Hickory Corners, WI, Ruby was the sixth of seven children, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. They were raised on a small dairy farm, speaking Norwegian at home and learning English at school. Ruby graduated from Suring High School in Wisconsin in 1942; she and her sister, Irene, traveling each day to school in the rumble seat of a teacher’s car – rain or shine. Upon graduation Ruby attended Milwaukee Accredited School of Beauty Culture, and later became partner in the Medora Beauty Salon in Green Bay with her good friend, Pearl. Their clients lovingly joked the salon should have been called “The Jewel Box” in honor of Ruby and Pearl. In March of 1946, Ruby married Lawrence (Larry) Madson and they started their family in Manitowoc, WI. Son, David, was born in 1947, and daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) was born in 1949. In 1953 the family moved to Arvada, CO, and a year later daughter, Virginia (Gini), was born, completing the family. Throughout the years Ruby was a dedicated member of the community, undertaking Sunday School Superintendent at Arvada United Methodist Church, as well as answering phones at Arvada United Methodist Church, assisting at Arvada Middle School, and volunteering at the Food Bank of Arvada, Arvada Community Resource, and delivering Meals on Wheels. 

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Madson; her parents Svend and Christine Mørk; her brothers Kore and Fred Mørk; sisters Helen and Margaret Mørk and Irene Edquist; and her son, David Madson. 

She is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Cindy) DeLong of Arvada, CO; daughter Virginia (Gini) and son?in-law Kelly Krattenmaker of Greenwood Village, CO; and sister-in-law Natalie Madson of Oconto, WI. Grandchildren Tara and her husband Cliff Gibbs of Knoxville, TN; John and his wife Lindsay Krattenmaker of Parker, CO; Ben and his wife Becky DeLong of Arvada, CO; Julia and her husband Eric Otterstrom of Greenwood Village, CO. Great-Grandchildren Van and Lily Krattenmaker, Eschor and Esme DeLong, and twins Odin and Titan Otterstrom. 

Abbreviated Obituary: Ruby passed away in her sleep August 13. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence, and son, David. She is survived by daughters, Cindy DeLong and Gini Krattenmaker; 4 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. 

A service will be held at Arvada United Methodist Church September 8 at 1pm. Donations can be made to AUMC or Community Table.