Marylyn Yvonne Madden

A Celebration of Life honoring the life of Marylyn Yvonne Madden will be held 11 AM Thursday, November 16, 2023 in the Great Room of the Rivercrest Chapel, 13329 S. Memorial Drive in Bixby. A reception with refreshments will follow the ceremony. Marylyn passed away Sunday morning, November 12, 2023 in Broken Arrow. She was 88 years old.

Born January 2, 1935 in Henryetta, Marylyn was the daughter of James Leonard and Virgie Lee (Ball) Ellis. Marylyn grew up in Henryetta, graduating with the Class of 1953. Somewhat of a tomboy, she and her sister, Madelyn were often found jumping off the rooftops of barns and roughhousing with the boys throughout the countryside. Her father died honorably serving his country during World War II. At the time, Marilyn was only 8 years old.

Marylyn played the Clarinet in the marching band for the Henryetta Hens. She loved marching in the band about it!

Marylyn met and married William Avery Bowden from Okmulgee. From this union were born two beautiful daughters, Yvonne and Robin. William's career with Boeing relocated their family to Wichita, Westchester, Pennsylvania, and ultimately, Tulsa. Marylyn maintained several positions as a bookkeeper which included BS&B Safety Systems, as well as several movie theatre companies. She worked hard, often two or three jobs at a time, throughout her entire lifetime.

For fun, Marylyn enjoyed traveling, mostly road trips - such trips always included PBJ sandwiches and the lack of air conditioning! Marylyn became quite the history buff and enjoyed everything about the History Channel. Her father's plane being shot down in World War II certainly contributed to this. Marilyn was ever so proud of her Scottish heritage. Her favorite game shows included Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, the Price is Right, and most importantly, Jeopardy. Through the years, Marilyn could be found having a lot of fun swing dancing, bowling at Sheridan Lanes, or hanging out at the Celebrity Club or the Camelot listening often to live bands. She loved Elvis and Frank Sinatra to name a few.

A longtime member of Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Marylyn was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. As a mother and grandmother, she was sweet, loveable, and most of all, fun! Marylyn was so much fun that her children and grandchildren always wanted to "hang out" with her. She had a great sense of humor, was non-judgmental, and very giving, sometimes to a fault.

May Marylyn's memory be eternal in the hearts of all who loved her.

Surviving family include her two daughters, Yvonne and husband, Don Admire and Robin Bowden-Wade; her grandchildren, Amanda and her husband, Chad Gilpin , Zachery Wade and wife, Sonya, and Rachel Holmes; as well as her great grandchildren, Calvin, Kenna, Bailey, and Dylan.

Marylyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Madelyn Martindale; and her double cousin, Barbara Warren.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marylyn Yvonne Madden, please visit our floral store.