Norma Willadene Malstaff

Heaven gained another angel on November 16, 2025.  N. Willadene Malstaff was born on March 24, 1932.  She was born in Elwood, Indiana to Lawrence and Pearl Lynas who preceded her in death.  She married Leon Francis Davenport on April 16, 1949, in Elwood who preceded her in death in 1974.  They had three loving daughters, Judy c. (John) Feigal of Rogers, Arkansas; Julia E. (Keith) Rudolph of Mishawaka, Indiana; and Joyce E. (Lisa Martenson) Liggett of New Buffalo, Michigan, all who survive.  On February 22, 1982, Willadene married William Malstaff, in Walkerton, Indiana, who preceded her in death after 38 years of marriage.  She became stepmother to two caring sons, Greg (Connie) Malstaff of Elgin, TX; and Christopher (Nancy) Malstaff of Bulverde, TX, who also survive.  Willadene was blessed to have 8 grandchildren, Ryan Griffith, deceased; Nichole (Todd) Mansfield; Natalie (Tim) DeVoe; Brandon Liggett (Lilia Clarke), Brooke (Brant) Whitaker; Adam (Becky) Liggett; Tiffany (Jon) Ricker; and Adam (Rachel) Malstaff, and 11 great-grandchildren, Emma DeVoe; Dylan and Sadie Liggett, Calvin, Elaina, and Lyla Whitaker, Corbin Liggett, Madelyn and Lillian Ricker, and Hailee and Wyatt Malstaff.  Willadene was also preceded in death by all her siblings, Wilma Garnell Simmons, Elwood, IN; Lyndall Lee Lynas, Dallas, TX; Lawrence Eugene Lynas, Elwood, IN; Lowell Victor Lynas, Elwood, IN; and Billy Lynas, Elwood, IN.  She had many loving nieces and nephews, many of whom she kept in contact with regularly.  She was known for her loving, gentle, caring personality.  Her nature was to serve those around her, and she had an open-door policy in her home.  She loved nothing more than time with family and friends.  She was true lady, always humble and kind!

She was the co-owner and editor of the Carey Times Weekly Newspaper, Carey Ohio from 1963-1966.  She enjoyed covering the local news and writing articles for the newspaper.  After selling the paper she prided herself in completing her high school diploma in 1975 after moving to North Liberty, Indiana.  She also enjoyed working as a receptionist for Dr. Edward Mladick, orthopedic surgeon, in both LaPorte and Goshen, IN.  Many have benefited from her kindnesses throughout the years.  She was great wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.  Although life dealt her many challenges she faced each day with faith and joy, and definite will to live.  So many admired her tenacity and supported her.

Willadene was a member of the Eastern Star in North Liberty and a 30+ year member of Zeta Pi Tri Kappa, devoting service to her community, as well.  She was known for her pie baking and genuine love for her English roots.  She was a good communicator by pen and had as many as 22 pen pals at once.  The longest lasting pen pal (Chris Butters) lives in England and was a good friend for over 50 years.  She quilted and prided herself into making quilts with love for each child and grandchild.  She loved gardening, growing roses, and family picnics.  Her Quaker roots instilled a private nature to her living, and tracking ancestors particularly interested her.  Simplicity was her motto in life….moderation in all things.  Her abundances came in the way of friendships and loving family.  She had a practical sense, a giving nature, and a great sense of humor.  She so enjoyed the last 5 years of her life at Primrose retirement Community where she met many friends who traveled with her on her walks down memory lane.  Her positive attitude was contagious.  She will be greatly missed and beautifully remembered.

Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, in the Hanley and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel”, 23421 S. R. 23, South Bend, IN 46614, where a funeral celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dan Bilbrey officiating.  Burial will be at Westlawn Cemetery in North Liberty, Indiana immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to the Memorial Fund of Kappa Kappa Kappa.

 The Hanley and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” and Cremation Service is handling arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to Willadene’s family and friends. 

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