Almeda Lorene Maloney

Ava, MO

Almeda "Lorene" (Rippee) Maloney, 86, departed this earthly life to her Heavenly home on January 6, 2016, at her home. Lorene was born in Foil, MO, on December 16, 1929, to Charley and Bertha Lee (Byrd) Rippee.

Lorene grew up on a rural farm, along with six older brothers. She walked to a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade, and then attended Ava High School, graduating in 1949. On May 21, 1949, Lorene and Robert Dougherty were united in marriage. To this union, five children were born.

Lorene worked at Del Monte Canning Company in Rochelle, Illinois. After returning to Ava, Lorene worked as a clerk for Carp's Department Store and Douglas County Commodity Program. She retired from the State Department of Social Services in 1995, after 27 years of employment as a
case worker.

On June 20, 1970, Lorene and Lowell Maloney were married in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Maloney. Lowell stepped into a ready-made family. Their home was full of laughter and love. They enjoyed 37 wonderful years together.

Lorene was a devoted mother to her children. She was also a wonderful Meme to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lorene was a dedicated Christian and a member of Ava General Baptist Church. She knew the importance of faith and was a Godly example to her family and all who knew her.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lowell Maloney, two infant children, dear daughter Cindy Fitzgerald, son-in-law Steve Fitzgerald, great-granddaughter Hannah Chance, brother and sister-in-law, Clinton and Dorothy Maloney, and brothers Hersel Rippee, Luther Rippee, Lewis Rippee, Charles Rippee, Donald Rippee, and Verness Rippee.


She is survived by three daughters, Debbi Chance, and husband Larry, Carolyn Davis, and husband Donnie, and Connie Givans, and husband Danny, all of Ava, MO, son Jarrett Dougherty, and wife Kara, Spokane, MO, step-son Danny Maloney, and wife Beth, Sparta, MO, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 8 step great-grand children, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.


Funeral services for Lorene will be Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Robert Roberts, Pastor Oren Alcorn and Pastor Ron Wallace. Memorials may be made to Neighbor Helping Neighbor or Ava Senior Citizen Center.