Madeline Marie VanAllen

Madge was born on June 25, 1933 in Steubenville, OH to Joe and Elizabeth Barbetta. She was the youngest of 6 children. Madge and her family moved to Avondale, AZ in May of 1968. She was a stay-at-home mom until her children were in grade school. She then became employed by the Avondale School District, first as a Library Clerk and then as a School Secretary. She was a faithful employee for 26 years.

She was a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was also a great friend to many children and adults. Madge loved to talk to people, whether she knew them or not.

Probably one of the things that Madge will always be remembered for is her awesome ability to make and decorate “Madge cakes.” She made hundreds of birthday, anniversary and wedding cakes. She was also Italian and was a super cook! She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Avondale.

Madge was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Joe Barbetta, 5 siblings, her husband, Earl, and her son-in-law, John Raleigh. She is survived by her son, Bruce VanAllen of Phoenix; her daughter, Jodi Bettag and her wonderful “son-in-love,” Butch, of Avondale; 2 granddaughters, Laura Toczko(Darren) of Weatherford, OK and Julie Johnson (Kyle) of Allen, TX; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 19, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the First Southern Baptist Church of Avondale. A “Celebration of Her Life” will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 10:00 am at the church. Burial will follow at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ. Pastor Jack Marslender will officiate. Her family asks that any memorial gifts be given to “The Grief Support Group,” c/o First Southern Baptist Church of Avondale, 1001 N Central Ave., Avondale, AZ 85323.