MALONE, Nancy Alice

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ March 6, 2011. Nancy Alice Malone went to be with the Lord Feb. 27, 2011. She was born Dec. 9, 1922, on her father's 1919 dry farm homestead in Burton. She went to school in Burton's one room schoolhouse. She was the sixth of 10 children. And her Dad sure made them proud when he built them a cart drawn by their faithful mare, Dixie, which took them to school regardless of rain or snow. Her early married life was spent on the Santa Fe railroad. When her first husband, George Sipus, was working, she cared for her two children in a converted railroad car. A committed wife and mother, she cooked, sewed their clothes and tethered her toddler to the boxcar steps, allowing her to play outside safely, while the trains rolled by. She served her country as a devoted Navy wife, supporting her second husband, Ben, during his 20 years of service. They moved from California beaches to Northern California Redwoods to the deserts of Tucson and Seligman. After their Navy career, they returned to their childhood roots among the Cedars of Burton, where they both worked tirelessly, helping those in need in the Burton Baptist Community and they contributed endlessly to the ministry of the Burton Church. As a born caregiver, everyone who knew her experienced her compassionate heart. To family and friends, her legacy is one of love, kindness, forgiveness and the attitude of "when life gives you scraps ... make a quilt". She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benjamin Thomas Malone. She is survived by one brother, John Henry Williams (AnnMarie); one daughter, Brenda K. Stein (Charles); one son, Ronald George Sipus (Carol Lynn); three granddaughters: Rauni Tedrick, Kimberly Tara Dexter (Paul); Heather LeAnn Bunce (Steve); and seven great-grandchildren. A viewing will begin at noon Saturday, March 3, at the Burton Baptist Church with the graveside service to begin at 1 p.m. at the Burton Cemetery. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit website www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.