Barbara Lynn Madison

Barbara Lynn Madison (nee Rider, Tarvin) was born on February 22, 1932, in Marshall County, Kansas, to Helene (Thompson) Tarvin and Robert Tays Tarvin. She departed this life on April 13, 2024, in Ottawa, Kansas. She is survived by her sister, JoAnn Oelke, of Ottawa, and sister-in-law, Jan Tarvin, of Brighton, Colorado, and her four children, Paul Rider (Monica) of Littleton, Colorado, Rebecca Keslar (Gary) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Kathryn Reid (Michael) of Belgrade, Montana, and Susan Rider (Todd Porter) of Lake Bluff, Illinois, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Barbara grew up on a farm outside the town of Marysville, Kansas. She attended Marysville High School and graduated in 1949. Barbara attended Manhattan Christian Bible College in Manhattan, Kansas, where she studied music ministry. Over her 92 years of life, Barbara spread God‘s word with her beautiful solos and inspired words.

Barbara married Dale Eugene Rider on June 3, 1951. She worked side-by-side with Dale as he ministered to congregations at Havensville, Concordia, Kinsley, and Council Grove, Kansas. Barbara and Dale moved to Alma, Nebraska in 1971. In Alma, Barbara worked as a dental hygienist and then had a career as a dietary supervisor at the Alma Colonial Villa nursing home. She volunteered tirelessly at the Villa and the Caring Cupboard food pantry. Barb was known and loved by many in the Alma community in particular by the Alma Christian Church where she was a longtime choir director and member.

Barbara lost her husband Dale in September 1976 after a long battle with cancer. She remained in Alma working as a dietary supervisor at the Colonial Villa. In 1979, Barbara experienced the joy of marrying again. Barbara wed Arlie G. Madison on February 3, 1979. Barbara enjoyed many happy years with Arlie before his death in 2003. Barbara’s life with Arlie provided her with the additional joy of three more children, Cheryl Porter of Omaha, Nebraska, Randy Madison (Inese), Pensacola, Florida, and Larry Madison (Jan) of Boyds, Virginia.

In 2018, Barbara moved with her sister Joann Oelke to the town of Ottawa, Kansas, and lived there until the time of her death. She experienced many joys while living in Ottawa, getting to know a new community and being welcomed warmly at the Ottawa Community Church. Barbara will have a celebration of life at the Ottawa Community Church on Thursday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. and will be laid to rest beside husband, Dale Rider, in the cemetery in Alma, Nebraska on Saturday, April 20, at 11:00 a.m. In addition to her husbands Dale Rider and Arlie Madison, and parents Tays and Helene Tarvin, Barbara was predeceased by her brother Robert Tarvin, two sisters, Jeanne Preusch and Carol Schwarz, and one grandchild, Zachary Porter.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Ottawa Hope House or Alma Caring Cupboard c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.