How do you write a tribute to an individual whom you have know for 57 plus years at the time of her death, and married to for 56 + of those years, and to whom you are still married? If anyone asked for a complete person, a steadfast, supportive, and magnificent wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend they would have been looking for Orena Madge Phillips Hardwick. She was a warm and caring person with a wonderful sense of humor, and sensitive to other peoples needs and wishes.

Madge is a Christian, believes in the teachings of the Holy Bible and in God. She is a member of the Methodist Church.

Madge was exceptionally intelligent and creative. She could have successfully pursued any career field she chose. Being creative Madge was gourmet quality cook, and excellent seamstress, a top-notch Bridge player (amassing a number of Master's Points), and a respected painter in oils. What time she took for herself she devoted to her painting and fellow painters at the Indianapolis Art Center. She attended studies there, and was a Class Monitor for over 25 years. A few of her painting are displayed in this legacy.

Madge brought two children into this world. One daughter and one son whom she reared into fine, responsible, law biding adults who treat other people with respect and courtesy; and have strong feelings for family and friends. Being a military wife Madge gave birth to her daughter, Deborah Kay, in William Beaumont General Hospital in El Paso, Texas. Her son, Gregory Alan was born in the US Army Hospital, Bad Kreuznach, Germany. It was there that Madge became social leader and organizer in the military community, just as she was a participant in social activities and charity fund raising in the 1960's. She maintained contact and friendship with many of the fellow military men and wives of those years until her death.
Madge was an avid bowler. She enjoyed the challenge of the game, but more enjoyed the comradeship of her teammates in the two leagues she was involved with. She counted many of these men and women as close friends, and enjoyed socializing with them.

We were married in the Fort Benjamin Harrison Post Chapel on November 22, 1946. Madge celebrated her 18th Birthday on August that year. For five years she worked tirelessly to allow me to finish my college education. She worked long hours in a local department store, then for the US military to earn enough to sustain us. Even with extremely limited income she managed to save some money and purchase needed items. Madge gave of herself without questioning what was there for her. Always thinking of us as a couple, as a team for life. And that is what she made our association and marriage into. Her absence in our home has left an everlasting void for me her husband and life's mate; and for her children and grandchildren. I would be remiss not to mention the permanent void she leaves in many friendships.