Mildred Ann (Malone) Hamby, 96, died on Sunday, 7/22/2018 – 11:30 am, at her home which she shared with her niece and her husband, Steve and RoiAnn Gardner, Neosho, MO. Mildred was surrounded by her loved ones peacefully departing this world, entering her heavenly home, joining a multitude of loving family and friends.

Mildred was born in McLean, Texas on August 12, 1921 to Harry D Malone, Sr. and Lillian Ester (Craven) Malone. She married William T. Hamby on December 18, 1964. He preceded her in death on November 30, 2006. Mildred had no children but was considered a second mother to many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She is survived by stepdaughter, Blanche McKee; step-grandson, Brandon McKee, his wife and children; and Brandon’s father, Larry McKee and wife, Mandy. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Helen Malone, Houston, TX; nieces and nephews – Gregory R. Bridges and wife, Kathy; Mark B. Bridges and wife, Debby; RoiAnn (Bridges) Gardner and husband, Steve; and Bretta Bridges – all of Neosho, MO; Doug Malone and wife Betty, Narcissa, OK; Teryl Malone and wife, Derinda, Seneca, MO; Feryl Malone and wife, Rhonda, Grove, OK; Gayla Osborn, Wyandotte, OK; Sandra Whitehead and Rhonda Jackson and husband, Mickey, Houston, TX; and Jim Malone, Lee Summit, MO. In addition, Mildred had many, many beloved great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings along with most of their spouses - Arthur Malone, Houston, TX; Francis Malone and wife, Ruby, Seneca, MO; Harry D Malone, Jr. and wife Muggy, Seneca, MO; and Helen (Malone) Bridges and her husband, Robert, Neosho, MO.

Mildred Malone Hamby, (many called her “Molly”), was a strong, independent woman with a deep faith and powerful spirit. When she was 22 years old, her father died unexpectedly. She and her brothers supported their mother and younger sister, Helen, who was only 15 years old at the time. Aunt Mildred was known for her many stories one of which was retelling her memories at 3 years old of traveling from Texas to Oklahoma in a covered wagon, and also a favorite of her family members in the teaching profession, how as the teacher of a one-room schoolhouse, she walked several miles to and from school daily, and in the cold weather months, arrived early enough each morning to build the fire before the students got to school.

Mildred graduated from Wyandotte High School in Wyandotte, OK in 1939. In 1942, she received her Associate Degree in Teaching (only required at the time) from NEO in Miami, OK which began her teaching career. After she graduated from NEO, she began teaching at North #7, a one-room school house, between Seneca, MO and Miami, OK in September of 1942. She taught 7th grade, all subjects, then High School Science at Seneca, MO from 1944 to 1947; 3rd – 6th grade Arithmetic in Bristow, OK from 1947 to 1948; Junior High Science in Webster Groves,
MO from 1948 to 1952; and, 8th – 9th grade Math and Science in Joplin, MO at South Junior High where she also was Dean of Girls. Throughout these years, Mildred continued her education during the summers receiving her Bachelor’s degree and then in 1958, after taking a one-year sabbatical from teaching, receiving a Master’s of Science Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. After returning from graduate school, Mildred taught Mathematics at Parkwood High School, Joplin, MO from 1958 until her retirement in 1976.

Mildred was a 50-year+ member of Delta Kappa Gamma and a founding member of Park Plaza Christian Church where she attended until her health declined. She will truly be missed by all.

Services have been scheduled for 2:00pm Friday, July 27, 2018 at Park Plaza Christian Church, Joplin, MO, with B. A. Austin, officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery, Seneca, MO. Pallbearers will be nephews and great-nephews. The family will receive friends Friday, July 27, 2018 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the church before the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Park Plaza Building Fund or Avalon Hospice in memory of Mildred.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

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