Kristen Leigh Madsen 39, of Fayetteville, died Saturday, January 10, 2009 at her home, after her brave battle with ovarian cancer. She was born February 4, 1969 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Sterling (Butch) and JoAnn Morgan Johnson. She graduated from J.A. Fair High School in Little Rock in 1987 and attended the U of A in Little Rock. She worked as a National Account Manager for World Kitchen, a Wal Mart vendor. Kristen and her family were members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and also attended Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.

She is survived by her husband, Nels Madsen, her two sons, Aaron Whitt and Brooks Madsen of the home, her parents, Sterling (Butch) and JoAnn Johnson all of Fayetteville. One sister Lynli Williams and her husband Wesley, of Fayetteville. Three nieces Abigail, Emily and Anna Williams of Fayetteville. One aunt, Billie Styles of Hughson, California.

Visitation will be Monday, January 12, 2009, from 4 to 7 PM at Beards Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home 4212 Hwy 5 North, Bryant, Arkansas with Brother Darrell Drennan officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The family wants to give special thanks to Dr. Thad Beck, his nurse Shannon, Highlands Oncology Group Chemo nurses and staff for their loving care. Special thanks to all friends who followed Kristen during these past few months, and her cousins Laurie, Sandra and Julie, who were always there for her. Very special thanks to her friend, Lisa Rodgers.
Pallbearers will be Will Manthe, Aaron Whitt, Nels Madsen, Wes Williams, David Whitt and Reed Chandler.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a scholarship fund for Aaron Whitt and Brooks Madsen at Regions Bank, 1465 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703, or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at UAMS, Little Rock, Arkansas