Obituary of Melinda Madsen

Melinda C. Madsen, 75, passed away at her home in Eagle on March 2, 2014. Melinda was born September 19, 1938 to Errett and Doris Cooper in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Her great grandfather was Horaitius Cooper, brother of the distinguished famous American author, James Fenimore Cooper. Melinda grew up in Las Vegas and graduated from Las Vegas High School. As daughter of the small town District Attorney, she often shared humorous stories of harmless mischievous adventures she took part in, and got away with! After graduating from high school, she met Clair N. Madsen, a student at Highland University in Las Vegas. They married on October 5, 1957 in Ely, Nevada. Cindy was born in 1958, and shortly thereafter the couple moved to Boise to settle down and complete their family with Corky being born in 1963. Melinda and Clair later divorced. Melinda worked for Pioneer Tent and Awning, Garrett Freightlines, Kenworth, Atkinson's Mirror and Glass, and ACME Personnel. In 1980, she took a courageous step and opened American Personnel, Inc., now known as American Staffing, Inc. She started this fledgling temporary employment business in a small office in Meridian, working very hard to build it into one of the largest independently owned staffing services in the Northwest. American Staffing now has offices in Meridian, Twin Falls, Burley, Fruitland, Elko, and Winnemucca. Melinda developed a love for Yorkshire Terriers and was instrumental in introducing these feisty little dogs to many who now have beautiful loving Yorkies of their own. She always had one (or eight!) depending on the timing. Many of her treasured canine companions have preceded her in death, and their urns will be buried with her. A comment was made last week "Melinda, you will be the crazy lady in Heaven with all the dogs!" In recent years, Melinda did not want or did not know how to cook for one, so she went to Lindy's Steak House pretty much daily for her noon meal. She developed many friendships there and enjoyed her daily outing! Last, but not least, everyone who knew Melinda experienced her colorful personality! She always had a joke to tell, was the email queen when it came to funny jokes or recipes (like she was going to make any of them!), and she was known to use a certain finger or colorful words when she felt the need arise. She taught each of her children and grandchildren her funny songs that could be very embarrassing if sang in front of the wrong people! She had a knack of meeting someone and after only talking to them for a few minutes, she knew their life story. In her final week here on earth, she showed that she was not only stubborn, but an unbelievable fighter! Melinda is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Dan) Taylor; her son, Corky (Mendy) Madsen; her grandsons, Craig and Chad Taylor, her granddaughter, Tori (Caleb) Madsen Schurger; her great grandson, Kelten Taylor; and her two Yorkies, Abby and Cody. She is also survived by her dear friends, Sheryl Stahl and Suzette Blank, along with her many Yorkies and friends from Lindy's. Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, her uncle Reece Wilkinson, and her infant granddaughter, Amy Sue Taylor. Our family would like to thank the staff at Brightstar Life Center, and Heart and Home Hospice, for their compassion, grace, and exceptional care of our Mom. You were all a blessing. There will be a viewing for Melinda from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Summers Funeral Homes, 3629 E. Ustick Road, Meridian. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 7, 2014 at Summers Funeral Homes, Ustick Chapel, Meridian, with additional viewing 1 hour prior to service time. Burial will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery.