Madeline Carol Ecalbarger passed away on Oct. 4, 2016. She was born to Murray and Melva (Amsler) Mathieu on Oct. 3, 1939 in La Salle-Peru, Illinois.
Her happiest years were spent with her husband of almost 30 years, L. Ray Ecalbarger. She had three children and worked hard raising them and providing the best life she could. She was always so nurturing and considered her family to be her greatest achievement.
She worked various jobs throughout her life, with her favorite being landscaping. She loved all animals, especially horses and cats, and enjoyed music, gardening, camping and travel. Her traveling took her to Hawaii and Illinois to visit family, and to Mexico to work in an orphanage. Madeline was a friend to all and her laughter was contagious.
In November 1982, Madeline asked Jesus to come into her heart. She loved Bible Study Fellowship and was a children’s teacher and leader for many years. She was very active in her church, singing in the choir, teaching the children, and planting and weeding the flowers. Teaching Berean’s Lady Bible Study was her joy.
Survivors include her husband, L. Ray; daughter Cindy (Bob) Mohr; sons August and Dan; sons and daughters-in-law Gary and Kathy Ecalbarger, and Monty and Anita Ecalbarger; sisters Margie, Marcia and Mary Kay; adopted daughter Mercedes; all of her beloved grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister Marian, and brother Mike.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Enterprise Cemetery, 7041 Vista Dr., Ferndale, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. in Evergreen Community Church, 6899 N. Enterprise Rd., Ferndale.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teens for Christ Northwest (914 Citadel Dr. Suite D, Everson WA 98247); Light House Mission (P.O. Box 548, Bellingham); Child Evangelism Fellowship of Whatcom County (P.O. Box 3137, Ferndale); or the Evergreen Community Church (P.O. Box 1569, Ferndale).
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