Martha C Malone

Martha Chloe Malone was 99 years old when she passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 2nd. She was born to Reuben and Olive Booth on March 22, 1913, in Monon, Indiana. In 1920 her family moved to Olathe, where she lived for the rest of her life. She grew up in the family home on Kansas City Road with her parents and 10 siblings: Fletcher, Paul, Gordon, Gladys, Jay, John, Robert, Dick, Mary K., and Jim. Her sister Gladys continued to live in this home which was a gathering place where Martha loved to spend time with her brothers and sisters and their growing families.

She graduated from Olathe High School and as a young adult during the Depression she held jobs at the Olathe Creamery and at the naval base near Gardner during World War II. On May 16, 1937, Martha married Bill Malone and they celebrated 60 years together before Bill’s passing in 1998. She was a constant support and source of encouragement to her husband, and she lovingly cared for him daily as his health declined in later years.

When Martha was 38, she and Bill were blessed with their only child, a daughter, Kathy. Martha stayed at home and enjoyed doing everything from sewing dance costumes for Kathy to instilling in her a love for games and cards. She was happy to welcome another card player into the family when Kathy married Dale. One of the greatest joys of her life was when she became a grandmother to Kristin and Kayli. She loved indulging them with all the things their mom wouldn’t allow and enjoyed spending quality time with them. Two grandsons-in-law joined her family when Kristin married Jason and Kayli married Mark. At the age of 87 she commented on how amazed she was to still be alive to enjoy her great-grandson, Braden. She then lived another 12 years to welcome three more great grandchildren: Devin, Ashlyn and Andrew.

Throughout her life Martha enjoyed many activities. She loved baking, quilting, crocheting, collecting coins, going to and having her own garage sales, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and word jumbles, walking around Water Works Lake with Gladys, and attending numerous recitals and plays. Her home was always open to her family, neighbors, and friends and everyone enjoyed exploring her basement and attic to discover the treasures that she collected there over many years.

She enjoyed being able to spend the last three years of her life living with Kathy and Dale. Even as her dementia progressed, God continued to work through her to teach us all many lessons. Her patience and attitude of gratefulness were always evident. She was a role model who will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Community Bible Church 1304 North Parker Olathe, Kansas 66061. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilley-frye.com.