Madrean Jean Benton was born on June 27,1938 in Spokane, WA. She was raised by her great-grandmother in Hamilton City, CA.

Following a divorce in the 1960's, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area with her children: Debbi and Bobby.

She worked at an electronics firm to make ends meet. She also worked as a carhop in the evening. A young rookie police officer came in daily for soda and finally got the nerve to ask her out on a date. His name was Nelson Benton, and he eventually won her heart. A little over a year later they wed.

Madrean was a tenacious and determined woman with more drive than most. She had always regretted not graduating from high school. So, in her late 20's she went to night school and got her high school diploma. She attended college as well and obtained a degree in psychology and one in business.

She became president of the Police Officers Wives Association and was also involved in the many other organizations.

In 1975 she suffered an enormous loss that changed her life forever: the death of her son, Bobby, at the age of 18 years. For several years after his death, she struggled with many aspects of her life. Many days she just stayed in bed. But one day she got up and realized she had so much to live for and the drive she once had came right back to her. During that time, she became a grandmother of 3 and life was a joy. She went on to become a great-grandmother of 9 and a great-great-grandmother of 1.

Madrean and her husband retired in 1994 and moved back to Hamilton City where they built their home. Madrean began working at the Community Services District. A few years before she retired, she began a mission to put into motion the plans for a levee to be constructed on the bank of the Sacramento River in Hamilton City. A longtime dream of hers; she spent countless hours pounding the pavement gathering signatures of those in favor of the levee. Besides writing a letter to the president of the United States, she was able to maneuver her way through the various codes and permits as well as the cost it involved. In November 2022, it was completed and she was proud to have been a part of such an important part of its history and its benefits for future generations to enjoy. She felt the community could rest a little easier in the event of a major flood.

Madrean is survived by her daughter Debra and husband Paul Ledeaboer, 3 grandchildren. Jason Poteet and wife Sara, Kristofer Pandell and wife Tiffany and Brooke Foard.

9 great grandchildren: Jacey and Kayla Poteet; Brandon Jillian, Nathen, Devin and Ryun Pandell; Kyler and Jaden Foard and one great-great granddaughter, Eleyna Foard.

Visitation will  take place on November 6, 2025 from 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary. Graveside service will be held on November 7, 2025 at I.O.O.F. Cemetery 3900 County Road P, Orland at 11:00 AM.

Arrangements are held under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.