Leona Caroline McDaniel Mallon

RICHMOND, Ind. - Leona Caroline McDaniel Mallon, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at her home in Richmond, Indiana. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Caroline was adopted by C. W. and Leona Haskell McDaniel into a loving and creative home, nurturing the importance of family, friends, and faith. Growing up in Topeka, Kansas, both in the city and on the family farm, she was blessed with many fond childhood memories. Her family traveled extensively and Caroline relished the adventure. She loved animals and adored her pets. Caroline attended Ward Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee; Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas; and graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She attended airline school and worked in a boutique prior to getting married. Living at Offutt Air Force Base (Strategic Air Command during the Cold War) enriched Caroline’s role as an officer’s wife and helped her adapt to moving from Texas, to Nebraska, to Kansas, and finally settling in Muncie, Indiana, where her husband established an insurance agency with Mutual of Omaha. Her final 6 years were spent in Richmond, Indiana. Caroline spent her summers at her Epworth Heights family cottage (O-So-Ezy) on Lake Michigan in Ludington, Michigan. She looked forward to gardening, dining out, entertaining, boating, and walking on the beach each season. As a former Girl Scout leader, Caroline liked volunteering with youth, not only with school activities, but also with sports and competitive swimming. Caroline worked on many political campaigns and attended the inauguration of George H. W. Bush. A world traveler, Caroline loved visiting foreign countries. Her passions were tennis, golf, horseback riding (especially Arabians), and IU basketball. Other pastimes included tea time, listening to classic jazz, reading spy or mystery novels, and sipping a good glass of Chardonnay. Many members of Central United Methodist Church treasured Caroline’s company. She loved her adopted congregation, the music, and the fellowship. Caroline is survived by her eldest daughter, Elaine (Dr. Dana) Mollenkopf of Richmond, Indiana; son, Dale E. Mallon II of Marietta, Georgia; daughter, Janet Bockelman of Newburgh, Indiana; grandchildren, Jacob (Amanda) Mollenkopf of Crown Point, Indiana, Rachel (Joe) Perkins of Parker, Colorado, Nicole (Jeremiah) Ross of Portland, Oregon, Lana Bockelman of Carmel, Indiana, and Alex Bockelman of Indianapolis, Indiana; and great-grandchildren, Victoria, Hunter, Fletcher, Lincoln (on the way), Jackson, and Elise, who will all miss their “Nana”. Caroline was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Dale Eugene Mallon. There will be no public services for Leona Caroline McDaniel Mallon in Richmond. A celebration of Caroline’s life will be held in Michigan later this summer. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374 or Epworth Church Association, 1161 North Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Leona Caroline McDaniel Mallon

March 7, 1926 - January 27, 2018