Ronna Jean Horst-Madalena

Ronna Jean Horst-Madalena passed away September 20, 2025. She was born on July 21, 1940, to John and Barbara Conn in Los Angeles, CA.

She received a degree in Social Work from Biola University and married Benjamin Lesher Horst on January 27, 1968. They spent almost 14 years together until his passing in 1982. Ronna and Ben had three children. In 1978 the family moved to Buhl, ID.

Ronna was a homemaker and active in church activities. She worked in home health and hospice, traveling all over southern Idaho to care for patients.

Ronna married Michael Madalena, of Wendell, in 2012. They enjoyed traveling to visit family and many church and charitable activities. Ronna was also active in the Idaho Republican Women’s Group.

She is survived by her three children: Jennifer Anne (Horst) Kottra of Westminster, MD; Benjamin Lesher Horst Jr. of Boise; and Melissa May Horst-Martin of Buhl; and three grandchildren: Ashlie Horst-Blanchard and Ethan Horst-Blanchard of Portland, OR; and Katrina Kottra of Lexington, KY. She is also survived by her two sisters and their families: Lorna Gowans and son Jeff; and Dorie and Corky Gowans with their three children, Steven, Seth and Sara.

Ronna’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Bonnilou Watson for her exemplary care; you are a gift from God! Also to Allana Madalena and River Rock Assisted Living of Buhl, thank you for all of your help.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Berean Baptist Church in Wendell.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Ronna’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.