After a life of love and quiet grace, Leola Grace Malone of Spirit Lake, IA has passed.
These are the contours of a life that meant a great deal to many.
Leola spent her working life as ['the ASCS office in Sibley and did bookkeeping at Sibley Egg and Poultry'] and held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Some find their compass in faith. Leola was among them.
Leola Malone, 82, of Spirit Lake passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Accura Healthcare in Milford.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Leola Grace (Hromatko) Malone was born on February 8, 1944, in Sibley, IA, to Arlie and Grace (Huls) Hromatko. She attended and graduated from Ocheyedan High School. After graduation she worked at the ASCS office in Sibley and did bookkeeping at Sibley Egg and Poultry. She married Michael Malone on August 13, 1964, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Sibley. She quit working out of the home after their daughter Diane was born in 1966, and their son Dennis in 1967.
They moved to Spirit Lake in 1968 and became members of the First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School to children and adults. She also taught Bible School and lead the Youth Club for severalyears. She sang in the choir in her earlier years. She was also the Wedding Coordinator for 10 years. She was also a member of the lowa Navy Commodores.
In 1976, she started working for Lakes Cable Systems as the Office Manager. In 1996, she changed jobs and went to work for Polaris until she had to retire for health reasons in 2001. She enjoyed being a mother and grandmother.
She loved her music, reading and golfing. In 2005, Michael and Leola started spending their winters in Weslaco, TX. There they enjoyed shuffleboard, hardanger, and playing cards with friends. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and soloed on her guitar playing various jams. She also enjoyed playing the piano in private.
Survived by daughter Diane (Gary) Johnson of Lake Park; son Dennis (Shelley) Malone of Berryton, KS; grandchildren Jacob and Lewis Johnson, step grandchildren Joshua, Tony, and Lacy Bowles(Jacob Lester); great grandchildren Leroy, Everett Johnson, Jayson, Rhett, Mia, Aria and Raeann Massey. Melvin Lester.
She was preceded in death by husband, Mike Malone, parents, and brother, Val Hromatko and sister-in-law Marlys Hromatko.
