Barbara Ann Madsen
Obituary
Barbara Ann Madsen passed away unexpectedly in her home on the morning of Feb. 27, 2022, Barbara was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
She was born July 23, 1952 in Salinas, Calif., to Harry John Kuchta and Carmalita Dorthy Kuchta. She lived in Gonzales until the age of five; then, her father moved the family to Arroyo Seco to what became the family ranch. This is where Barb would milk cows in the morning before going to school and again at night alongside her brothers. At the age of 21 she married her husband, Robbie Madsen, on Sept. 1, 1973. The following year she was blessed with her first son, Harry, and 12 years later, her second son, Matthew.
Barb worked in the Greenfield Union School District for 38-years before retiring to her happy place, or as she referred to it many times as "God's Country" the family ranch. Barb enjoyed working in her yard, floating in her pool, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, whether it was cruising the ranch on her fart cart checking on everyone or driving her granddaughter, niece, and many other kids to and from school singing songs and enjoying the many sights along the road. In the summer, she loved opening her windows in her bedroom to listen to the frogs croaking.
In retirement, Barb enjoyed taking out her convertible VW Bug and cruising the backroads with the top down.
Barb is survived by her husband, Robbie Madsen; sons, Harry (Audra) Madsen, Matthew (Kailey) Madsen; granddaughter, Julia Madsen; sister, Kathy Tavernetti; niece, Emily; brother, Dennis (Joan) Kuchta; nephew, Corey (Melvia) Kuchta; great-nephew, Carson; niece, Cassidy; nephew, Kristopher Kuchta; great-nephews Sye and Miles; nephew, Shawn (Jennifer) Kuchta; great-nephews, Alden, Anton, Axel; and sister-in-law, Carol Randle
Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Carm; brothers, David and Stephen; brother In-law, Marvin Tavernetti
Donations can be made in her name to Saint Jude Children's Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the family ranch April 30 from 1-5 p.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com.
Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · March 9, 2022