Carol Jean Madsen

Carol Jean was born August 29, 1931 in Kelso, Washington to Salvation Army officer parents Isabel and Earl West. She grew up in the northwest living in Yakima, Bellingham and Seattle. At the end of World War II the West's were transferred to Oakland Citadel, California, and there she met her husband of 46 years, Dallas Madsen. They were married on June 29, 1949 and entered the Salvation Army College for Officers Training as members of the "Standard Bearers" session.  Carol and Dal were commissioned as Lieutenants in June, 1950. Carol was a 3rd generation Officer. Corps appointments began in Roseburg, Klamath Falls, Portland, Oregon and Bellingham, Washington. The next 7 years Carol and Dal served as Divisional Youth Secretary in the Northwest and Northern California divisions. During these years hundreds of young people were influenced by their lives and witness.

After attending the Salvation Army's Centenary Congress in London, England Carol and Dal returned to corps work in Eugene, Oregon. It was in Eugene that Dal's health seriously deteriorated and they went on Sick Furlough. During these months Carol had the opportunity to work at Holt Adoption Agency, and a number of Korean adoptees made their way to new families in America via the Madsen home.

In 1967 Carol and Dal were appointed to the Evangeline Residence in Seattle. Several years later Carol was appointed to the Social Services office in Seattle. In 1973, due to Dal's declining health they retired from active officership.

In retirement Carol and Dal lived in Belfair, Washington on the beautiful Hood Canal. Carol took a job in the North Mason School District and was a valued employee of the district for 19 years. After that retirement Carol worked for 10 years in the Northwest Division's Planned Giving department, visiting and providing pastoral care (and bread) to SA donors. In 1997 at the Western Territory's Great Victory Congress Carol was presented with the "Women Living Victoriously" award.

Dal was promoted to glory in 1995 and in 2003 Carol married Brigadier Robert Yardley and moved to Sacramento. When Carol and Bob weren't RVing she was very involved in the Sacramento Citadel Corps, became Vice President of the Del Oro Retired Officers' Fellowship, and Vice President of the Territorial Retired Officers' Fellowship.

June, 2012 Carol was diagnosed with cancer and returned to her home in Allyn for treatment and the care of her family. June 2014 Carol moved to Wesley Homes Retirement Community, apartment G203. She was Promoted to Glory on Saturday, June 27th as the sun rose! Carol is survived by her four children: Jim (Nikki), Anne (Lynn), Steve (Brigid) and Tim (Holly), 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; brothers Dave and Richard West, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Sunday, July 12 at Haven of Rest, Gig Harbor followed by a celebration of life at 1:30 pm at The Salvation Army Seattle Temple on 95th and Greenwood.

Memorial gifts may be made to The Salvation Army Camp Arnold, 33712 Webster Road E, Eatonville, Washington 98328.

 Service Information