Lucille V. Malone, 97, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, following extended health problems.

Lucille was born on Feb. 3, 1922, in Green Springs, Ohio, to Chancy and Vida Ann (Crumb) Blodgett. In 1941, she moved to Niles to marry the love of her life, Stayton Leo Malone, who preceded her in death in 1995 after celebrating 54 years of marriage.

They had three sons, Patrick D. (Judi) Malone of Niles, Michael D. (Diana) Malone of Edwardsburg and Daniel R. (Joan) Malone of Big Rapids, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Lucille was a congenial host, she had a great sense of humor and a great love for her family. She worked at Simplicity Pattern Company for many years where she forged many new friendships, conjured up potions and creased a bunch of paper. She loved to watch birds, fish for fish, hunt for morel mushrooms, eat tacos (not the “uncooked” soft shell ones though!) and she baked an awesome strawberry rhubarb pie. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends who will always remember her for her love of life and her strength of will to do it “her way.”

In accordance with Lucille’s wishes she will be cremated and private family services may be held at a later date. Her final resting place will be at Silver Brook Cemetery in Niles. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements. Memorial donations in memory of Lucille be made to Caring Circle, Lakeland Health Affiliate, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online condolences may be made at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home website.