Ornella Doris Malone was born April 16, 1930, in Denison, the daughter of Martin and Eva (Ladehoff) Wendt. She was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. She received her education at a rural country school in Crawford County. In later years, she received her Graduate Equivalency Degree.
On Nov. 24, 1948, Ornella was united in marriage to Fred Malone. To this union, they were blessed with seven children: Charles, Marge, Leo, Barb, Allan, Dean, and Norma. They made their home on a farm east of Woodbine for many years until 1968, when they moved to a farm south of Dunlap. In 1990, Ornella moved to town in Dunlap.
She worked as a meat cutter at World Wide also known as Dubuque Packing Plant for many years. Ornella also worked in the kitchen at the sale barn in Dunlap. She enjoyed making quilts and embroidering. She always lent a hand wherever she was needed; whether it was on the farm or driving her grandchildren to their various activities. Above all, she cherished her family more than anything.
Ornella passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at the Dunlap Specialty Care in Dunlap, attaining the age of 92 years, four months, and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred Malone; son, Allan Malone; daughter, Barbara Malone; granddaughter, Melissa Malone; great-granddaughter, Shelby Solberg; siblings, Marvin, Melvin, and Irene Wendt.
She is survived by her children, Charlie Malone and his wife Peg of Dunlap, Marge Skarin of Dunlap, Leo Malone and his wife Theresa of Dunlap, Dean Malone of Dunlap, and Norma Malone of Missouri Valley; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at United Methodist Church in Dunlap. Rev. Aaron Terwilleger officiated the service with interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dunlap. Barb Amsberry served as organist and vocalist. Judd Kirk sang "How Great Thou Art," "Be Not Afraid" and "On Eagle's Wings." Serving as honorary pallbearers were Ornella's granddaughters: Jennifer Malone, Amy Skarin, Melissa Malone, Doris Solberg, Lisa Cripps and Kendra Stover. Serving as pallbearers were Ornella's grandsons: Rich Skarin, Jeff Skarin, Travis Malone, Bret Malone, James Malone, Levi Malone and Wyatt Malone. Following the burial, the family invited everyone to the Dunlap City Hall for a time of fellowship and lunch. The Huebner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
