Fern Phyllis Mallonee

Fern Phyllis Mallonee, age 88 of Ottumwa, IA, passed to live with her Lord Saturday, February 16, 2008 while a patient at Ottumwa Regional Medical Center in Ottumwa.

She was born March 31, 1919 on a farm near Bunch, IA to Eli Hopkins and Grace Garner Cox Hopkins. She was the oldest of three children: sister Genevieve Cahill of Phoenix, AZ, and brother Eli (Bill) Hopkins of Ottumwa, IA.

Fern married Jason Mallonee on December 25, 1938 in Ottumwa and he preceded her in death on October 23, 1996. They moved around much in their married life as Jason worked in construction. They moved to Libertyville in 1955 and later purchased the Libertyville Telephone Company where Fern was a switchboard operator. After selling the company they eventually settled in Ottumwa.

Fern had six children: Judith (Don Brobston) Libertyville, IA; Jerry Mallonee (Paula) Denmark, IA; Jack Mallonee (who preceded her in death); Mark Mallonee (Karen) Ankeny, IA; Marlon (Lee) Mallonee who preceded her in death and Marla Mills (David) of Ottumwa, IA.

Fern is survived by her brother and sister, four children, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Fern's service will be Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Faith United Methodist Church in Libertyville, IA. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM with the funeral services to follow at 2:00 PM. She will be laid to rest next to her husband after the service at Chillicothe Cemetery in Chillicothe, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith United Church Building Fund. Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
307 S. Main Street
Libertyville, IA 52567