Betty Ruth (Fluhr) Madden

Betty Ruth (Fluhr) Madden, 85, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023 in Lakeland, Florida surrounded by family. Betty was born to Carter and Zelda Smith on January 21, 1938, in Ardmore, Tennessee. The Smith family moved to Louisville, Kentucky where Betty lived a majority of her life. Betty graduated from Valley High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Randy Fluhr, and were married for 47 years until Randy’s death in 2004. Randy and Betty had 3 sons who married and gave them three daughters-in-law and ten grandchildren to love. Betty was uniquely gifted to serve and spent her life giving in many capacities to many people. Betty proudly served as the matriarch of the family. Sunday dinners after church, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were her specialty. As her grandchildren came along, Betty was a loving and doting grandmother to each of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren would lovingly refer to her as ‘Memaw’, and she wore this name proudly. She delighted in seeing her family grow. Christmas was her favorite time of year, when she could relish having all her family gathered together. Celebrations were a way of life for Betty. She actively pursued opportunities to throw bridal or baby showers, birthday parties or coordinate weddings. Betty was actively engaged for many years at Valley View Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School classes, counseled young people, and participated in many ministries. Known as a prayer warrior, Betty fervently prayed in her prayer closet for family, friends, pastors, ministries and even perfect strangers while volunteering on the prayer phone line at Evangel World Prayer Center. Following Randy’s passing, Betty married Robert (Bob) Madden from Lakeland, Florida. They were married for 16 years and spent their time between Louisville and Lakeland. Bob and Betty enjoyed traveling and serving others through the Salvation Army, their church and often people they just met. They especially treasured spending time with each of their combined 7 children celebrating birthdays, graduations, weddings and the births of their increasing number of great grandchildren. Once again, Betty would see her family grow, and she enjoyed her time with all of them. While in Lakeland, Betty attended Believers’ Fellowship. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Randy Fluhr and parents, Carter and Zelda Smith, sister Corine Cain, and brother George Smith. She is survived by her loving husband Bob Madden, sister Jo Ann Henegar, her children, Wally (Jeri Lyn), Jeff (Melissa), Jody (Deanna), her stepchildren Chris (Lillian), Greg (Lory), Steve (Stephanie) and Elizabeth (David) Pehrson, and her combined 33 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Victory Church (Light of Lights Chapel), on March 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in Lakeland Florida. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 2620 Kathleen Road, Lakeland, Florida 33810.

Betty Ruth (Fluhr) Madden

January 21, 1938 - March 18, 2023