Ottumwa, Iowa - Barbara Ann Madsen, 96, of Ottumwa, died January 13, 2026 at her home.

Barbara was born April 9, 1929 in Ottumwa to LeRoy and Elizabeth Barber McBride. Barbara graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1947 and Ottumwa Heights College in 1950. She married Paul Madsen on September 3, 1951 and he preceded her in death on March 22, 2018 after 66 years of marriage.

Professionally, Barbara was an executive secretary and personal bank officer for Union Bank and Trust. She was a founding member of the Friends of the Ottumwa Public Library and was a member of the New Century Book Club, Wapello County Historical Society, the Civil War Round Table, Union Bank Retirees, and St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society. She also served as a president of the Ottumwa Women's Club.

Barbara loved to travel, whether exploring new countries or visiting family across the United States. She particularly enjoyed attending her grandchildren's events, no matter how far, and never missed a concert or recital. For 25 years, she and Paul spent the winter months in Destin, Florida, where they enjoyed playing Bridge with friends and walks on the beach.

She is survived by her children, Mary Madsen (Bob Glancy) of Centennial, CO, Susan (Dave) Bolte of Des Moines, Nancy (Chuck) Manson of Ottumwa and John (Stephanie) Madsen of Falmouth, MA; seven grandchildren: Sarah Glancy (Simon Williams) of Makakilo, HI, Lisa (Will) Vickery of Dublin, Ireland, Stephen Glancy (Laura Whitefleet-Smith) of Yorktown, VA, Hanna Madsen (partner Ben Van Selous) of Washington, DC., Chris Manson of Airdrie, Alberta, Canada, William Bolte (fiancée Jaime Wendt) of Madison, WI, and Mathea Madsen (Matt Walz) of Denver, CO; and three great-grandchildren, Jonas Vickery, Sean Vickery and Callum Glancy.

In addition to her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Ann; and siblings, James McBride, Lucille Jones, Jack McBride, Clara McBride, William McBride and Betty Bayless.

Her body has been cremated.

A time of remembrances to celebrate her life will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 17th at Reece Funeral Home.

Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 17th at St. Mary of the Visitation with Father Joseph Sia presiding. Private inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paul G. and Barbara A. Madsen Memorial Scholarship fund at Indian Hills Community College or to the Ottumwa Public Library.