Wanda C. Malone, 80, of River Forest, died on Oct. 14, 2025. Born on Feb. 22, 1945, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Winfield and Bernice (née Blauer) Cowger, shewas raised in North Platte, Nebraska, where she graduated from high school and became an active member of the Rebekahs, who sponsored her time in Washington D.C. Upon returning to North Platte, she remained a devoted member of the community. Together with her late husband, Ronald Malone, she managed Buffalo Bill Manor, a retirement residence in North Platte, for 10 years. She later owned and operated Heaven to Seven, a children’s clothing and furniture boutique.
In 1987, she relocated to Saint Peters, Missouri, and subsequently to O’Fallon, Missouri, where she resided for the next 20 years and was employed as a manager at Macy’s. Following her retirement, she relocated first to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then River Forest in order to be close to her family.
She took great joy in baking for her loved ones and was an avid reader throughout her life. Her kindness and generosity were known to all and will be deeply missed.
Wanda was preceded in death by Ronald Malone, her husband of 50 years; her infant daughter, Amy Malone; her parents, Winfield and Bernice Cowger; and her brother, Winfield Jay “Bill” Cowger.
She is survived by her son, Mark (wife Sarah) Malone, and her grandson, Severin Malone.
Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America in honor of Wanda.
Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home.
