Madelyn Jo Cheney, 80, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on February 3, 2017. Madelyn was born on June 10, 1936, in Dennison, Ohio to Duane Arthur Miller and Jane Louise Williams Miller.

From the day she was born, Madelyn Cheney sparkled with life and an indominable energy. After graduating from New Lexington High School in Ohio, Madelyn married her high school sweetheart Tom. She viewed life as an adventure, and they called nine different states home (Ohio, Virginia, New York, Arizona, Kansas, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas).

At age 46, Madelyn graduated cum laude with a marketing degree from Avila College in Kansas City. She remained a voracious reader, constantly seeking to further her education and pursue her love of history. During her time in Texas, she came to know more about the state than most natives. She enjoyed work as a bookkeeper and in retail, using her special touch of creativity to create the perfect window display.

Always humble, Madelyn frequently claimed, "I'm not a fancy cook," but those who knew her knew better. She was a gifted cook and entertained many with her fabulous food and beautiful table settings. She was vivacious, always up for a party or a game of cards with friends. Madelyn brought laughter with her wherever she went. She loved red cars, red geraniums, majestic trees, pretty hats, potato chips, a cozy home, and watching the moon rise on a warm summer evening.

Madelyn is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Thomas Keith Cheney and son-in-law Thom Mazey. She leaves behind her daughter Deborah Lyn Mazey of Georgetown, Texas; and two sons: Keith Cheney and wife Valerie of Austin, Texas, and Scott Cheney and wife Shawna of Maui, Hawaii. She also leaves behind five granddaughters: Janice Hughes and husband Chris Sepic of Bend, Oregon, Cara Downing and husband Joe of Seattle, Washington, Kate Cheney of Maui, Hawaii, Grace Cheney of Austin, Texas, and Olivia Cheney of Washington, DC. In addition, she is survived by one great-grandson Michael Joseph Downing, her half-brother, Robert Miller of Davison, Michigan, and her stepsister, Nancy Glenn of New Philadelphia, Ohio.

In honor of Madelyn's lifelong love of learning, memorial donations may be made to the Southwestern University Scholarship Fund, 101 E. University Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78626.