Marla Dawn (Russell) Madsen

Marla Madsen, loving sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt, returned to the open arms of her heavenly loved ones on her birthday, 9/29/2019. She was 78 years old and a long-time resident of Boulder City.  She loved living in Boulder City and enjoyed feeling a part of the tight-knit community she found there. 

Marla Dawn was born September 29, 1941 in Mount Pleasant, Utah to loving parents, George and Twila Russell. She was the second of five children and loved her siblings - brothers Dennis (preceded her in death) and Richard Russell of Utah, and sisters who always looked out for her - Callie Russell Hafen of Nevada, and Adrienne Russell Peterson of Idaho. She was part of a very large and loving extended family in Utah and loved seeing her many aunts, uncles and cousins at family reunions and gatherings.

When she was a teenager, the family moved from Nephi, Utah to Henderson, Nevada for better economic opportunities. She graduated from Basic High School and went on to beauty school. She met the love of her life and soulmate while working at a local diner.  William LaMar Madsen made her feel beautiful, loved, and protected and they were married in 1963 and later sealed in the St. George LDS Temple. They enjoyed being together in the outdoors and spending time on Cedar Mountain every chance they got. Over the next few years they opened their home to over 20 foster children, but longed for a forever family.  In 1969 they were overjoyed to welcome Michal Nels Madsen, and their family was finally complete.

Marla thrived at running the household, serving in different callings at church, and raising a family. After the sudden death of her husband in 1981, Marla was forced to join the workforce and she bravely met many challenges to better life for her and her son.

The Lord blessed Marla with many talents. She had a beautiful singing voice and frequently performed in choirs, concerts, and many funerals. She was very creative and loved different types of crafts, including embroidery, knitting, and back in the day Tri-Chem projects. Marla absolutely had to have a book in her hand. She looked forward to reading every night, and was a fan of mystery novels and pioneer tales.  She had a passion for genealogy and worked tirelessly researching her family’s ancestry.  She also enjoyed working in the family history center, where she assisted others in researching their own family tree.

Marla will be deeply missed by her son Michal, her daughter-in-law, Rocio, and her three prized possessions on this earth, her grandchildren - Corryn, Mikael, and Nathaly - all of North Las Vegas. Marla looked forward to celebrating the successes of her entire family, and loved giving and receiving phone calls, cards and visits.

We thank Heavenly Father for sending us this beautiful person who enriched our lives with her love, loyalty and compassion. A celebration of her life will be held at the Boulder City 5th Street Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Monday, October 7th. The viewing for family and friends is at 10 am with the funeral service following at 11 am. Interment will be at Boulder City Cemetery immediately following the service.

Services compassionately provided by Boulder City Family Mortuary. An online memorial guestbook can be signed at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

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