Madison

Marvel A. Mapes, age 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 7, 2018 at Oak Park Place, Madison. She was raised as a Nebraska farm girl, born February 28, 1926, in Marquette, NE, the daughter of Milton J. and Edna T. (Sands) Peterson. She attended High School and college in Nebraska. She met the love of her life, Leonard Mapes, in 1946, and after 5 ½ weeks of courtship, they were married on February 23, 1946. Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and they were stationed in numerous locations in the U.S. and Europe. They settled in Madison in 1962, where they made their home.

Marvel‘s life revolved around family, friends and church. After the death of her son, Terry, she became a grateful member of Al Anon. Her life’s journey of healing and service to others was an inspiration to countless people struggling with life’s challenges, including addiction. Marvel lived life on her own terms, always with integrity. The constancy of her unconditional acceptance and open heart.will be remembered by everyone she met. She lived life with enthusiasm, joyful energy and fun. Her sense of humor was legendary. Her sweet and kind disposition made her a favorite of the Oak Park staff.

Marvel is survived by her children, Lenette Mapes, Berry (Janice Kutilek) Mapes, Wade (Kim) Mapes; grandchildren, Steve (Laura) Sanford, Amy Sutherland, Rebecca (Roman) Nelson, Matthew (Melinda) Sidwell, Tanis (Fulton) Coley, Tracy (Trinity) Terry, Terry Mapes, Casey (Meghan) Mapes, Abigail Mapes; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; son, Terry; and two sisters, Marilyn McEntarffer and Beverly Wakely.

The family extends their thanks to the special people of Oak Park Place who cared for Marvel.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 11 at SHERMAN AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 3705 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison with Rev. David Hart and Rev. Suni Caylor officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue and again on Thursday at the church from 10:30 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Eastside Alano Club, 1017 Northport Drive, Madison, WI 53704; Wisconsin Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research Center (www.adrc.wisc.edu) or Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

Marvel Mapes

February 28, 1926 - January 07, 2018

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