Longtime Echo Resident, Gwen Madden, Dies at 87

Gwendolyn V. “Gwen” Madden, longtime Echo resident, died on April 30, 2014 in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 87.

She was born on September 11, 1926 in Caldwell, Idaho to parents, Elmer and Mildred Hall Raymond.

Gwen was raised and attended school in Caldwell, graduating from Caldwell High School in the class of 1944. She married Carlos Bledsoe on January 5, 1945 in Los Angeles. To this union came 4 sons: Gary, Michael, Lynn, and Larry. They moved to Hermiston, Oregon in the early 1950’s and Carlos preceded her in death in August of 1972. Gwen married Clinton Madden on September 12, 1975 in Hermiston and they moved to Echo. Gwen was an active member of the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene where she served in many capacities including church organist for more than 20 years. She enjoyed bible study, reading, cooking, baking, music, and cherished her time with her family – especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Bledsoe, Stanfield, and Lynn Bledsoe, Cedar Park, Texas; brother, Donald Raymond, Boise; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husbands, Carlos Bledsoe and Clinton Madden; sons, Gary Bledsoe and Larry Bledsoe; her parents; and a brother, Loren Raymond.

A graveside funeral service was held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at Skyview Memorial Park, Pendleton.

A celebration of life gathering was held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene Fellowship Hall.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.