Madonna F. Saffer, age 99 of Alexandria and formerly of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at her residence after a short illness primarily related to her gall bladder. She was born March 5, 1916 in Summitville, the daughter of Francis "Frank" Joseph and Josie Beryl (Myerly) Williams. Madonna retired in 1970 from R. L. Leeson and Sons Department Store in Elwood where she worked as manager of the Hat Department for many years. She also formerly worked at Tam's Drug Store in Elwood in the Cosmetics Department. She was a 1934 graduate of Elwood High School, and likely one of the oldest alumni of the school. Madonna married Edward M. Saffer on February 14, 1970. She was a devoted member of the First Christian Church in Alexandria. She was a past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star in Elwood, a past secretary for the Burlington chapter of Job's Daughters, and was formerly a member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood. One of Madonna's greatest joys in life was attending church.

Madonna's family includes a daughter, Mary Jo Sheward of Frankton; brother, Robert F. (wife Doneta) Williams of Elwood; 7 grandchildren, Michael (wife Patricia) Sheward, Jana (husband Brian) Heritier, Tim (wife Susan) Smock, Jo (John) Graff, Wayne (wife Dorothy) Smock, Tony Smock, and Phil (wife Mary Lee) Smock; 13 great-grandchildren, Luke & Emma Sheward, Eric Heritier, Shea Smock, Matthew Smock, Jacob Smock, Katie Smock Westfall,Mark Graff, Linda Graff, Katie Graff, Micah Smock, Conner Smock, John Smock; several great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Dallas E. Smock who died in 1972; her second husband, Edward M. Saffer who died in 1981; her son, Charles Smock; and a daughter-in-law, Jane Smock.

A Funeral service celebrating Madonna's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 10, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Jack E. Wachenschwanz officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church through the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.