Madeline J. Spooner

Madeline Blakley was born to John and Dorothy Blakley (Vance) on March 20, 1930 in Mahaska County, Iowa.

Madeline was 1 of 8 children and soon realized she would begin working at a young age. Mom started her career working at Kresge’s Dime Store in downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

She met Robert Spooner at a dance at Polk City VFW. They both loved to dance, which was a joy they

passed onto their children. They soon realized it was meant to be, wedding on October 17, 1951. Madeline next job would be a full-time housewife and mother to 5 children; Robert, Russell, Debra, Rebecca, and Roger, which kept Madeline and Robert very busy.

Once the youngest child started school Madeline learned how to drive and began working away from the home at Ankeny’s Best Western Inn from where she later retired.

Madeline loved to cook for her family and events. Madeline’s other passion was canning tomatoes during the summer and during her stay at The Bridges at Ankeny, shared her knowledge of canning tomatoes and enjoyed many personal relationships with staff members. Madeline was always willing to share recipes and help others (especially Debbie) on how to cook, with endless patience. Madeline belong to the local Merry Makers Club. They supported the local farming community during farm sales and many fund raisers. She also enjoyed reading, coloring, circle word books, and watching the birds at her bird feeder.

Madeline is preceded in death by her husband Robert Spooner, her parents John and Dorothy Blakley, Her in-laws Marion and Lucille Spooner and her brothers, Charlie, Frank, and Steve, and sister Marge.

Madeline is survived by her children Bobby (Jeannie), Russell (Dianna), Deb, Becky (Fred Allgood), and Roger. Grand children David, Shane, Jessica and Wyatt Spooner. Sisters Ramona Crabtree and Natoma Albert (Toni) and, brother Fred (Buck) Blakley; sisters-in-law, Barb Spooner Duncan and Carol Blakley; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial contributions for Madeline Spooner can be addressed to the family for later distribution.