A Life of Service, a Life Well Lived

May 4, 2026

A quote by essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, "the purpose of life...is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived..." best reflects the values of Mary and Dr. Keith Madison. The couple has spent decades, both together and individually, helping others – and through their partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, they've been able to extend that impact even further.

Mary and Keith's commitment to service is deeply rooted in their upbringing and lived experiences. Mary grew up in the church, where her passion for supporting women and children first took shape. She went on to become a licensed professional counselor, ordained minister and educator, serving as both a school counselor and teacher. Her deep empathy and understanding of others' needs eventually led her to public service, where she now serves in her second term in the Iowa State House of Representatives – a role she embraces as a true labor of love.

Keith's dedication to helping others spans generations. He comes from a long line of community servants, dating back to 1700, who have empowered others and worked to do good in the community. As a retired physician, Keith has followed suit by providing care for his patients, and in retirement, he continues to serve – volunteering with the Red Cross and helping immigrants and refugees gain independence by providing driving lessons as they seek employment, education and citizenship in their new home.

When the couple transplanted to Des Moines in 1999, they had the opportunity to meet Monroe Colston, the first president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. What they found was more than a resource – it was a trusted partner in charitable giving.

"We gravitated towards the better together philosophy of the Community Foundation," shared Mary. "We realized they had the mechanics – investing our fund, identifying community needs and connecting us to opportunities – so we could focus on making a difference."

For more than 20 years, the Madisons have partnered with the Community Foundation through their donor advised fund to support causes close to their hearts. With the Foundation's guidance and deep understanding of community needs, their giving has been both responsive and strategic – addressing immediate challenges while also investing in long-term solutions.

Their spirit of shared responsibility continues to guide their giving. It's why they're drawn to opportunities—like the Better Together Fund—that bring people together to respond to emerging community needs.

"People of good conscience help," says Keith. "The structure of the Community Foundation has quite simply helped us maximize caring for our neighbors and live a life that makes us all better together."