Madonna Rose Diko, age 94 of Peru and formerly of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at her home following a long, well-lived life. She was born July 15, 1925 in Elwood the daughter of Luther Tell and Cora (Rittenhouse) Underwood. Madonna was a 1944 graduate of Elwood High School. She married Harold L. “Curly” Diko on May 4, 1946, and they shared over 51 years of marriage together before his passing in 1997. Madonna worked in production at Delco Electronics in Kokomo for many years, and retired in the mid 1980’s. In addition, she was a homemaker and was devoted to caring and providing for her large family. Madonna attended Harmony Christian Church in Leisure for many years. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, and caring for her home. Madonna was a wise home economist, and she was accomplished in stretching her family’s resources to care for all their needs. Madonna was known to be a loyal and loving wife, mother, and grandmother; and a faithful and compassionate friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Madonna’s family includes 4 children, Kathleen (husband David) Jones of Leesburg, FL, Kay (husband Tom) Allen of Green Valley, AZ, Keith (wife Mindy) Diko of Whiteland, and Kenn Diko of Peru; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Madonna was preceded in death by both her parents; husband, Harold “Curly” Diko; infant son, Roger Lee Diko in 1950; and 4 siblings, Enoch Underwood, Violet Gmurk, Lincoln Underwood, and Rupert Underwood.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial services was postponed at the time of Madonna's passing. A life celebration memorial service has now been scheduled for 12:00 pm on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Ron Meyer of Harmony Christian Church and members of her family speaking. Following the memorial service, burial of Madonna's ashes will take place in Peoria Cemetery in rural Peru. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm prior to the memorial service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.