Malone Alumni News

  Welcome to the world Wylder Woolf Sowers! Wylder arrived on August 21, 2025 and weighed in at 5 lbs. 3 oz. Congratulations to the new parents, Annie and Jake Sowers of Morning Star Friends Church! We are so excited for you as you enter into this new chapter of life!

  Welcome to the world Rolin Douglas Galpin! Rolin was born on January 30th, 2025 to Kayleigh '13 and Matthew Galpin of Salem Ohio! Rolin  weighed 6lb 10oz and was 18.25" long. He is the joy of his parent's lives! Congratulations once again to Kayleigh and Matthew on this exciting new chapter of life!

  Clarice Mann Lackey passed away at the remarkable age of 99. Clarice loved and cherished her family, and her love knew no bounds. Her home became a sanctuary and a place of comfort for her family. Clarice was also a pillar of her faith and devoted member of her church.  We send our prayers to the family of Clarice during this challenging time and celebrate the life she lived. To read the full obituary, click here .

  Jill A. Blasiman '98 passed away on August 23rd, 2025 in Canton, Ohio at the age of 76. After graduating from Malone, Jill had a long and successful career in the healthcare industry. Jill had many passions in life, such as traveling and seeing new places, spending time in nature, biking and swimming, and camping trips with family. Jill also enjoyed crafting and sewing.  We send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Jill during this challenging time, but we celebrate the life she lived and those she impacted.

  Carol Boltz '01 passed away on August 23, 2025 after a battle with advanced cancer. Carol loved teaching and spent her entire teaching career at Newcomerstown. Carol received her Master's Degree from Malone. She was known for her caroling, particularly with happy birthday songs or Christmas carols. Carol was also involved with 4-H for a number of years, having grown up on a dairy farm. Carol is survived by her parents, her husband of over 30 years, James, and her two sons, Chase and Weston. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Carol during this difficult time but celebrate the life she lived and those she impacted.

  James F. Mason '66, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim received his bachelor's degree in biology from Malone, and went on to have a successful career in entomology until his retirement. He was an avid fan of things such as model trains and motorcycles, and loved traveling, specifically to Maine. James is survived by his loving wife Mary, along with his children and seven grandchildren. We pray for the family of James during this difficult time and celebrate the life that he lived. To read the full obituary, click here .

  John R. Kiste III '90, age 66, passed away peacefully on August 7th following a brief battle with cancer. John obtained his Bachelor's in business from Malone. John served as the Executive Director of the Stark County Convention and Visitors Bureau for a number of years, and also served as an adjunct professor at Kent State Tuscarawas.  John had a wonderful fascination with Halloween and wrote over 70 short stories over the years. We send our prayers to the family of John during this difficult time but also celebrate the life he lived and those he impacted.

  Congratulations to Seth '16 and Katrina '19 Kenyon on the birth of their son, Felix Jay Kenyon! He was born on August 10th and was 6 lbs. 9.8 oz. and was 18.5 inches long. Praise God for another little Pioneer entering into the world!

  Congratulations to Luke '19 and Ellen '20 Murray on the birth of their daughter, Margaret Mary Murray! She came into the world on August 4th, and was 8 lbs. 3oz. and was 21 inches long! Praise God for another little Pioneer entering the world!

  Martha "Marty" Elaine Freer, age 89, passed away on August 5th, 2025. Martha earned a bachelor's in religious education from Malone. She and her husband, George Freer, served for over 50 years together in many churches throughout southern Ohio, Indiana, and Rhode Island.  Marty was an avid fan of flowers and being in the garden. She enjoyed tending to the bird feeders at the Friends Fellowship Community. We pray for the family of Marty during this difficult time in their lives but also celebrate the amazing life she lived. To read the full obituary, click here . 

  Daniel F. Smith '70, aged 77, passed away in his house on August 1st, 2025. Daniel was a retired Sgt. First Class from the Army. Daniel was survived by his wife of 52 years, Cherie, and many children/grandchildren as well. We send our prayers to the family of Daniel during this difficult time but also celebrate the life he lived. To read the full obituary, click here .