Clara Malone

Clara Mae Malone was born on October 10, 1936, at home in Paradise Township, Crawford County, Iowa, to Thomas and Lola (Argotsinger) Bramley. She attended country schools in Paradise Township and graduated with the Dow City-Arion High School Class of 1954. The only daughter among eight children, Clara was deeply proud that all seven of her brothers served in the United States Military.

On September 11, 1954, Clara was united in marriage to Max Malone in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Together, they made their home in the Dow City area, later purchasing a farm that became their family’s forever home. They were blessed with five children: Peggy, Kenneth, Kathy, Timothy, and Dennis.

Clara was a devoted farm wife, working alongside Max with chores, while also dedicating herself to raising their children, preparing home-cooked meals, and keeping a warm and tidy home. After her children were raised, she began working outside the home, cooking for HeadStart at the Imagination Station, the Crawford County Home until its closing, and later at Eventide Lutheran Nursing Home. She and Max also spent many years delivering the Omaha World-Herald newspaper in the local community. Of all her work throughout her life, Clara’s greatest joy was helping to care for and guide her grandchildren, cherishing the time spent teaching and babysitting them.

Clara enjoyed attending church whenever she was able. She loved reading and crossword puzzles, and she enjoyed many card games with family and friends. A talented seamstress, Clara sewed clothing for her children, created doilies with care, and gifted each of her grandchildren a handmade crochet blanket. Her family will fondly remember her as a loving mother and grandmother whose cooking was second to none, especially her famous pancakes and two eggs.

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Clara passed away at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 88 years, ten months and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Max Malone; two sons: Kenneth Malone as an infant and Dennis Malone; son-in-law, Steve Christenson; granddaughter, Cristy Jo Malone; great-grandson, Zain Robidart; and brothers: Lloyd, Leeland, Robert, Raymond, Joseph and Dwight Bramley.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Peggy (Scott) Robidart, Kathy Christenson and Tim (Patty) Malone; grandchildren: Joel (Renee), Ryan (Steve), Matthew (Lindsey), Angie (Glenn), Tracie, Melissa, Jason and Alan; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brother, Donald Bramley of Kentucky; other relatives and friends.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Community of Christ Church in Dow City with burial to follow in the Dow City Cemetery.