Elizabeth Madsen, 94

Elizabeth Lois (Carroll) Harris Madsen, lovingly known as Betty or Bea, passed away peacefully July 18, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on Nov. 9, 1931, in Colfax, Wash., Betty was the daughter of Muriel Geneva (Lindburg) Carroll and John Fabian Carroll. She was one of 12 children, of which two are still living. Growing up surrounded by a large and loving family, she attended school in Colfax, graduating from Colfax High School, and briefly attended Cheney Normal School, now known as Eastern Washington University.  

Betty began her career as a telephone operator with General Electric before joining the Cheney Telephone Company. She remained with the company through several transitions as it evolved into what is now known as CenturyLink. Her career eventually took her to Anchorage, Alaska, where she retired in 1994 after many years of dedicated service.

Betty was first married to Warren Harris, with whom she shared 20 years of marriage and raised three children. She later married Glenn Madsen, and after that marriage ended four years later, she often joked, "Two strikes and you're out." True to her word, she never married again, choosing instead to enjoy the many adventures life had to offer.

Adventure was at the heart of who Betty was. She loved to travel and created countless memories exploring the world. She spent many happy years enjoying her condo in Hawaii and traveling extensively throughout the United States, as well as exploring portions of Europe. She also loved playing Bridge, swimming and gathering with family and friends.

In 1975, Betty began to regularly attend services at Unity Church of Truth in Spokane before later finding fellowship and spiritual community at Unity Center of Spiritual Growth in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Above all, Betty's greatest joy and blessing was her family. She was preceded in death by her son, William Bruce Harris.  

She is survived by her son, Ed Harris and his wife, Beverly; her daughter, Julie Harris-Croteau; her sisters, Kathryn Conley and Judy Rice; her grandchildren, Karen (Harris) Holloway, Angela Harris, Adam Croteau, Leah (Croteau) Zimmerman and her husband, Justin; two great-granddaughters Malayna and Ellyana Holloway, and another great-grandchild on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and cherished friends who will miss her dearly.

Betty will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, independent nature, quick wit, unwavering resilience and the genuine kindness she shared with everyone she met. She believed life was meant to be lived fully. Her legacy lives on in the countless memories she created and in the generations of family who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at Unity Center of Spiritual Growth, 4465 N 15th Street in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. In honoring her memory, her family hopes those who knew her will embrace new adventures, cherish time with loved ones and find joy in the journey — just as Betty always did. 

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to Unity Center of Spiritual Growth.