Madeline Henley

Just four days short of her 97th birthday, Madeline (Fravel) Henley passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, alighting peacefully in the arms of God and her long-awaiting husband. She was born May 10, 1926, in Geneva to William and Ruth (Christman) Fravel. She was raised during the Great Depression and was known for her thriftiness and appreciation of all that came her way. Madeline began employment as a young teen to help her parents support their household and often helped her mother care for the little ones.
She met William Henley when they were 16, and the couple was wed Dec. 31, 1946, moving to Chicago so that he could attend business school. She supported her husband throughout his lifelong career as a Montgomery Ward store manager, often working alongside him. The young couple moved with various retail store assignments, living in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin, where he ended his management career in Rhinelander. They then returned to Geneva, where they built their retirement home on Rainbow Lake. The two lived in their lake home together until his passing in 2014.
She continued her lifelong philosophy to accept whatever circumstances came her way and “carry on” to the best of her ability. Over the next nine years, well into her 90s, she successfully lived alone, cleaned and cared for her home, cooked her meals and drove to get her groceries. She was supported through this time by her devoted brother, Richard and his wife, Sandy. She took great pride in her success and was determined to live through her days using her fortitude and perseverance.
She enjoyed her flower garden and the many gifts of fresh vegetables from Fred and Sandra next door. Having been a seamstress and making her daughters’ clothing in years past, she was pleased to help make her great-granddaughter a little pink baby dress in her final days. She loved getting regular updates on her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s progress in their lives.
She is survived by her youngest brother, Richard (Sandy) Fravel of Geneva; three daughters, Judith Fogler of Normal, Illinois; Diana (Jim) Mikkelsen of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Nancy (Steve) Anderson of Ladysmith, Wisconsin; four grandchildren: Tammy (Tyler) Kraemer and their children Kai and Cary of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Chanda (Wes) Hagen of Santa Maria, California; Rob (Anna) Fogler of Bloomington, Illinois; and Ben (Niccole) Anderson and their daughter Emerie of Portland, Texas. Also special to her have been her friends Jack Ryfe of Florida and Fred and Sandra Affolder of Geneva.
She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings, Agnes (Keith) Stewart; Dorothy (Jack) Madden; Charles (Rose) Fravel; Bob (Barbara) Fravel; and Garnet (Tom) Bulger; two nieces, Annette Fravel; and Ally Fravel; nephew, Lonnie Fravel; and great-nephew, Vincent Fravel.
Her daughters give gratitude for the incredible support and care she received in her final days from the following: Tom, PTA, of Interim Home Health Services; Dr. Kaminini and his dedicated team of nurses and caregivers at Adams Memorial Hospital; and the compassionate staff members of Heart to Heart Hospice.
Graveside services will be held Monday, May 15 at 2:30 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Geneva.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital to which she was a regular contributor.
Arrangements provided by Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva. Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com.