Madilene Marie Reeves, 82

Madilene Marie Reeves, 82, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Thursday, April 19 2007.

Internment has taken place in Ft. Bidwell, Calif., where she was buried next to her husband Wilford.

Madilene was born on Sept. 8, 1924, to Clifford and Zella (Burgett) Carson in Milfay, Okla. Her early childhood was spent in Oklahoma, sometimes staying in a covered wagon moving from place to place while her father looked for work.

Madilene married Johnnie William Cochran in Reno, Nev. in 1942. They had one son, Johnnie Wayne. After her husband Johnnie was killed in World War II, Madilene moved to California where she married Wilford D. Reeves in Modesto, Calif., in 1946. Wilford had three children Gene, Vivian, Tommy and together they had one child Leslie. They were married for 48 years.

They spent their married life in and around the Napa Valley, where she worked at Sugar Loaf Park for 25 years. After Wilford retired they moved to Ft. Bidwell, Calif., where they enjoyed fishing, hunting and extended family.

In 1985 Madilene and Wilford moved back to the Napa Valley where she went to work for Tomorrow Mountain Cafe. She could make the best hamburgers around.

Madilene enjoyed fishing at Lake Berryessa. She often said she'd rather fish than eat.

Madilene moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 2005 to be closer to her son John. She resided in The Bridge and later Life Care Center.

She loved going for car rides in the mountains looking at the colors and animals.

Madilene is survived by her son Johnnie and (Donna) Cochran and daughter Vivian and (Harold) Crittenden; six grandchildren: Dale Crittenden, Denise Bajsec, Debbie Crittenden, Charlotte Oakley, Danny Cochran and Melissa Dingler; nine great-grand children and five great-great-grand children.

Madilene was the third child of 11 brothers and sisters. Her brothers surviving her are Alvie and (Hattie) Carson, Delbert and (Claudette) Carson, Hugh and (Alice) Carson and her sisters surviving her are Dorothy and (Howard) Metcalf, Charlene Hawkins, Mona Graham and Alta Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Johnnie and Wilford; an infant daughter; her sons Gene, Tommy, Leslie; a great-granddaughter Echo Oakley; a brother Clebert Carson; and sisters Lorene O'brian and Marvette Carson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rust and staff, The Bridge and Life Care Center for the love, support and wonderful care given to Madilene.

Family and friends are invited to sign Madilene's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.