Virgina "Ginny" Diehl Maden, age 76, died in her sleep on January 5, 2015, at her home. A lifelong resident of Jonesborough, Ginny was born on January 2, 1939, the daughter of Robert C. and Lydia Bushong Diehl.
A former Girls State Representative and Miss Jonesborough High, Ginny married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Maden, in 1956. Together they raised 6 children and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006. In the midst of raising all those children, Ginny graduated from East Tennessee State University with a BA in Elementary Education and later earned an MA in Special Education. She spent her 29-year career teaching Kindergarten and Second Grade students at Lamar School, where she influenced many children through her energy and love of learning. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had recently become a member of the Colonial Dames. Additionally, she was a member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church.
An avid reader and gardener, she played a mean game of bridge and could whip up a plate of brownies or a squash pie without a recipe. In the family Ginny was also famous for her Day Before Payday Cookies. She invested much of her energy and time in special projects sponsored by the DAR. Ginny loved people and made friends wherever she went. In recent years, she began spending the winter months in Florida, where she continued to play bridge, love people and was known as "Bug."
Ginny knew the Lord as her Savior and expressed that faith through her care for her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family. She especially loved the members of her church family.
Preceded in death by her husband Ralph Maden Sr., and son Ralph Maden Jr., she is survived by her sons Kent (Robin), Pat (Deb), and Brian (Lavona) Maden, and her daughters Mindy (Mark) Robinson and Laura (Mark) Ratcliffe; 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 11 a.m. at Jonesborough United Methodist Church, with a fellowship lunch following at the church. The family will receive friends during the fellowship lunch time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Jonesborough United Methodist Church Piano Fund at P. O. Box 115, Jonesborough, TN 37659.
Mrs. Maden will always be one of the teachers that I will remember the most! She was my sons kindergarten teacher and had a way of sparking those little imaginations. She was always so friendly and kind each time I would meet her. A very special lady to so many!
Ginny was a wonderful, caring person and will be missed by family and friends.
01/10/2015
Beverly freeman, Amber and Ashley
Ginny Maden was a wonderful and caring teacher, she was a
great friend to me as well as a teacher to both of my
daughters! I talked to her last when I met her while shopping at
kohl's. We caught up on our children, she was so proud of her
children and grandchildren. I will never forget but will always
cherish our friendship. I spent many days volunteering and
socializing with her, words cannot express how much I will
miss her! I love you Ginny Maden!
Ginny Maden made a difference in my life and the
lives of all who knew her. During the 5 years we
served together on the staff at Lamar School, I
knew that I could always count on her friendship
and support as we went about our daily teaching
duties. Ginny's insight into the learning
patterns of her kindergarten students was helpful
to other teachers planning teaching strategies for
the students as they progressed through the
grades. Always postitive and cheerful, she
inspired me to be as effective and loving teacher
through her example in the classroom. I have lost
a friend and a mentor.
Ginny always said "I'ld rather make a friend than a point" that just about sums up the goodness of her nature. I worked with Ginny on several large DAR projects and have no idea what we will do without our partner in these ventures. Godspeed.
Mrs.Maden, as she will always be to me, was my second
grade teacher. It was the most memorable year of my
education for many reasons. There were not and still aren't
that many teachers that will coordinate a donut sale, cook
cactus, and make a piñata with with their students. She read
us The Secret Garden and I remember thinking it was the
most magical book in the world! Mrs. Maden encouraged my
creativity and impacted my life for the better. Now, at the age
of 24, I teach kindergarten and love it because I know I am
touching lives like she touched mine. And when my daily
routine feels monotonous, I think of all the special things Mrs.
Maden did for my class and I know that I owe it to the kids and
community I serve to follow her lead. Mrs. Maden, your legacy
lives on.
01/09/2015
Charles and Peggy Broyles
Ginny was a dear friend and a special lady. One of the most positive people I have ever met! My sister and I ate lunch with her, at the Black Olive, a few weeks before Christmas. I am so glad that she was there when we went, and I had the privilege of dining with her. We talked about her family, and she was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She told me about her trips to Florida. This will be a special memory for me. She was a wonderful mentor to me when I began teaching Kindergarten at Lamar. She was always an "encourager" even when I began teaching older children. Ginny and Ralph will always hold a special place in our hearts!
01/09/2015
Charles and Peggy Broyles
Ginny was a dear friend and special person. I will always remember her kindness when I first began teaching kindergarten and in later years as I taught older children. My son enjoyed, Ginny, as his kindergarten teacher and learned from her teaching methods. I was privileged to have lunch with her at the Black Olive a few weeks before Christmas. My sister and I went there for lunch and were able to join her. We talked about her family. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She told about her trips to Florida, playing bridge, and her DAR activities. I will treasure these memories. Ginny and Ralph will hold a special place in our hearts!
01/09/2015
Nicole Bennett
Mrs Maden was my second grade teacher. She was one of my
favorite grade school teachers. We were able to make, sale,
and serve donuts when I was in her class. I spent many days
at her home during the summer before my brother was born. I
would swim in her pool while my mom and Mrs Maden would
talk. I enjoyed eating the snacks she prepared for my visits. I
remember to this day that the only time I ever watched Charley
and the chocolate factory was at her house one summer. I was
recently able to see Mrs Maden this fall and it was so good to
spend time wth her. I was in the area just last week and
wanted to go see Mrs Maden. I should have went, but didn't.
Mrs Maden was loved by all and will be misse by many.
01/09/2015
Jeanette Knight
I worked with Ginny all twenty nine years of her teaching career and I can say that she gave 120% of herself to her teaching. She was an excellant teacher, she loved her students, and they responded well to her nurturing. She was an outstanding colleague and a good friend whose advise and good company continued after we retired. I applaud her strong faith in God, her devotion and interest in friends, her concern for others, and her love for all who entered her life or who shared her interests,
I worked for many years with Ginny at Lamar. She was
an excellent educator and a very dear friend. She
invited me and my boys to several gatherings in her
home, where she always had plenty of good food and
wonderful times! I will always remember her with
fond memories! Loved her and will miss her
tremendously!
01/07/2015
nancy broyles mccracken
Ginny and I have been friends since we started 1st grade. I used to go home with her for lunch when we were in middle school and have Mrs. Diehl's famous "stickies", We plaed dress-up with old black curtains in her living room. We kind of lost touch over the years since I moved away,but still loved each other. I thought about calling her on her birthday but didn't; sure wish now that I had. I always thought about her and Arlene.
01/07/2015
Ron and Dolores Huffman
Ginny was a wonderful Lady since we have
known her (2000). A great friend and Bridge player. We often went out as a group too eat together, spent Christmas together one year and we helped her when possible. A wonderful thoughtful lady to all.
