Madge L. Sala, age 82, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Madge was born in Pennsylvania to the late Raymond Sontag and Nellie Virginia Wolff Sontag. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two sons, Raymond Floyd Thompson and Timothy Scot Thompson.

An artist in every sense of the word, Madge could make anything beautiful—from painting rocks to gourds, wood burning, working with mixed materials, and designing anything she could find. Those talents were carried over from a successful cake decorating business in her earlier years; while also practicing her hobbies of sewing,quilting, crochet—you name it. Madge found beauty in everything and found tranquility in all things flora and fauna. She loved all forms of gardening, planting new bulbs, and adorning the entrance of her home in flower baskets and planters of all sorts. For her, nothing could be better than seeing the beauty of her bounties emerge in Spring and Summer, birds singing and making nests all around, hummingbirds drinking their nectar, and squirrels chattering about. She was also a vintage and antique collector, an avid thrift-shopper, and loved searching for new treasures or just things she needed. Madge loved home cooking and baking, and everyone enjoyed her mouth-watering meals; from a small snack to a large holiday family gathering, it all tasted gourmet. You could also find her watching football, with her beloved husband by her side, and enthusiastically cheering on her team.

Madge was a sassy and tenacious woman who loved without bounds. A wonderful spirit, a kind and giving heart, a mentor to all, a very special woman, who everyone loved so greatly. Her beauty radiated from the mountain tops, and she could always leave you with a smile. Her family meant the world to her, as she cared for them over the decades, from her rambunctious children to her cherished great grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, John Sala; two children, Kelley Sontag Bates (Ricky Dale) and Michael Bruce Thompson; seven grandchildren, April Lamb (Nick), Violet Elliott (Jairo), Jana Thompson (Kyle), Kelsie Elliott (Rocky Franks), Nicky Manos (Brittany), Scott Elliott (Sandra Ten Eyck), Coben Eli Thompson, Kimberly Stewart (Tyler), and Ricky Bates (Chelsie); numerous great grandchildren, Alma Rubio (Tristan), Enrique Garcia (Gillian), Luis Hernandez, Christopher Jones, Lynleigh Jones, Derrick Franks, Terrell Franks, Thorn Elliott, Fenris Ten Eyck, Payton & Aulora Manos, Ryan Lamb, Brayden, Kaymen, and Raelynn Stewart, and Chestney Bates; brother, Carl Bruce Sontag (Janice); sister, Joanne Ulsh; and nephews and niece, Kenneth Sontag, Stevie Ulsh, and Carla Ulsh. She is also survived by her four-legged companions, Sugar, Rosebud, and Spooky.

The family will receive friends from 2-4:00 P.M. on Sunday December 8th, at Macon Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be directed to the Arts Council of Macon County, P.O. Box 726, Franklin, NC 28744.