Madelyn Raaf Helfrich Kirkham passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 2, 2022.  Madelyn was born April 14, 1920, to Arland and Ruth Helfrich in New Salisbury, Indiana.  She met her husband, Dr. Wayne W. Kirkham, on the basketball courts of southern Indiana.  Wayne's veterinary career provided opportunities for them in Corydon, Indiana, at Texas A&M University, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, the University of Florida, and, finally, at Purdue University.

Upon retirement in 1984 Madelyn and Wayne moved to Panama City, FL, to enjoy their grandchildren.  Madelyn made a beautiful life for herself in Panama City following Wayne's untimely death shortly after they arrived.  She volunteered as a pink lady for over 25 years at the former Bay Medical Center.  She was active at First United Methodist Church and with the Arts CSP of the Woman's Club of Panama City.  For more than 50 years, she has sponsored dozens of children providing for food, clothing and an education through Children Incorporated.  Madelyn's faith and family were of utmost importance to her.  She was kind and generous and genuinely liked by all who met her.  She was also incredibly resilient and strong in a very unassuming way. The world is a much better place because she traversed it for 101 years.

Survivors include her daughter, Ann Tyree; grandchildren Tracy Tyree of Wallingford, CT, Kimberly (Eddie) Ingram of Belmont, NC, and Kirk (Anne Marie) Tyree of Sarasota, FL; and five great-grandchildren:  Katie, Andrew, Grace, Jordan and Logan.  She is also survived by her niece, Cynthia Best Bradley (David) of Chapel Hill, NC.  She was predeceased by her husband Wayne and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ruth and Cort Best.

Visiting hours will be Thursday evening, February 10 from 6-8 pm at Wilson Funeral Home, 214 Airport Road.  Services will be held on Friday, February 11 at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 903 E. 4 ^th Street. The family request that those in attendance to please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to United Methodist Women for their mission projects at First United Methodist Church, 903 E. 4 ^th St., Panama City, FL 32401 or to the Arts CSP of the GFWC Woman's Club of Panama City, 350 N. Cove Blvd., Panama City, FL 32401 for their projects with children.

The family would like to express many thanks for the loving care given to Madelyn at Mathison Retirement Center of Panama City and Charter Senior Living of Panama City Beach.  Gratitude also goes to Dr. Marion Mathews and staff, Emerald Coast Hospice and SunCrest OMNI Home Health.