Denece Malone

Denece Malone, 95, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, with loving family by her side. Born on May 15, 1929, in Elko, Nevada, she was the second daughter of Henry Gordon Drown and Orpha Rhoda Lyon.

Denece grew up with her family living with her grandparents in Lee, Nevada. Her mother was a former schoolteacher, and her father was a dedicated rancher. She had a close bond with her sister, Joyce, and shared many fond memories of their childhood together. Denece's life was filled with adventure and hard work, from riding horses to school with her sister to helping her mother with cooking during the harvest season.

At the age of twelve, her family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. She was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was active in the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association. After graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Wilbur “Webb” Lee Malone, on June 20, 1948, at her parent’s home in Twin Falls, Idaho. They had four children: Bonnie, Larry, Kathy, and Karen. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 25, 1965. They were married for 62 years.

Denece faced many challenges, including the loss of her sister, Joyce Marie Stanger, in a car accident in 1954, and the death of her son, Larry, in 1974. Despite these hardships, she remained faithful, resilient, and dedicated to her family. She was known for her love of reading, flower gardening, watching “her” hummingbirds from the deck, picnics, playing music on the organ, and her exceptional letter writing. Her family will cherish the many letters and cards she was known to send throughout her life. Denece took pleasure in making birthdays and holidays special for those she loved and would give the most thoughtful and generous gifts. Her family adored her sugar cookies, potato salad at picnics, Christmastime fudge, and making homemade ice cream together.

Webb and Denece were actively involved in the annual Larry Malone memorial golf scholarship tournament established in Larry's honor by the Rocky Mountain section of the PGA. This was a special tradition that brought peace and healing throughout their life.

Denece attended Henager Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later, at the College of Southern Idaho, she obtained a certificate in medical terminology. Denece was employed as a bookkeeper at McCaslin’s Lumber in Burley. She was employed by Dr. Pond and physicians at the Orthopedic Group prior to being a medical administrative assistant to the radiologist at Magic Valley Memorial Hospital. Denece retired from Idaho State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Twin Falls.

Denece was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter­-day Saints. She served as counselor in the Young Women’s organization among other callings serving the Lord. Denece's life was marked by her dedication to her family and her unwavering spirit. She will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and her ability to unite her family. Her legacy is one of cherished memories, filled with love and devotion, that her family will forever hold her dear in their hearts until we meet again.

She is survived by her three daughters, Bonnie (Craig) Saunders of Kaysville, Utah; Kathy Lundgren, Nampa, Idaho; and Karen McBride, Pocatello, Idaho; as well as 10 grandchildren, Todd (Jenni) Saunders, Wenatchee, Wash.; Shawn Saunders, Torrey, Utah; Bryce (Shanna) Saunders, Fruit Heights, Utah; Carrie (Cornell) Brown, Syracuse, Utah; and Chad (Laura) Saunders, Smithfield, Utah; Jenny (Travis) Staples, Meridian, Idaho; Nicole Baker, Hendersen, Nev.; Erik Lundgren, Nampa, Idaho; Jordan (Mary) Lundgren, Boise, Idaho; and Jesse (Rose) McBride, Pocatello, Idaho. In addition, 20 great ­grandchildren. Also surviving are her niece, Linda Crandall, South Ogden, Utah; sister-in-law Frances Malone, Twin Falls, Idaho; and cousins Sally Icley, Tucson, Ariz., and Keith Canonic, Temple City, Calif.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Wilbur “Webb” Malone; parents, Gordon and Orpha Drown; sister, Joyce Marie Stanger; niece, Christina Rae Stanger; nephew, David Layne Stanger; son, Larry Ross Malone; niece, Karla Marie Tolley; and granddaughter, Katie Elizabeth McBride. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The family wishes to express special thanks to Serenity Transitional Care of Twin Falls, Idaho; and the Pocatello, Idaho, staff at Gateway Transitional Care Center; Enhabit Home Health and Hospice; Elegant Assisted Living, and Amy at Home Health and Hospice for their exceptional care and comfort for Denece and her family.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 23rd at 12 p.m. noon at the Twin Falls 5th Ward chapel, 421 Maurice Street North, Twin Falls, Idaho, with a viewing from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family would be deeply grateful for any contributions to assist with funeral expenses. Donate by clicking the "Donate Now" link below. Thank you for your kindness and support. 

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