Joann Malone

Joann Malone went to be with our Lord and Savior on September 26, 2026. She was born on October 3, 1957, at Ashland Hospital in Ashland, KS, to Lloyd and Roberta (Bliss) Malone.

Joann completed her education in Coldwater, KS, and shortly thereafter married Gary “Max” Williams. Together, they were blessed with two children, a son, Justin Max, and a daughter, Jamie Jo. They later divorced in 2007.

Joann worked for 15 years at Wolcott & Lincoln Elevator and Feed Mill in Wilmore, KS, where she handled both office duties and outside work. It became like a second home to her, as many area customers became lifelong friends.

She later poured her heart into her role as office manager at the Comanche County Health Department, where she worked for 28 years. She enjoyed working alongside many wonderful healthcare professionals and serving the residents of Comanche County, from newborns to those more than 100 years old.

Throughout her career, Joann enjoyed building relationships, learning new skills, and wearing many hats. Shortly after retiring, she moved to Fort Worth, TX, in October 2024. Her heart longed to be in rural Kansas once again, so she made the journey north to Hill Top House in Bucklin, KS mid-August 2026. There she made new friends and had a number of lifelong friends and family come visit her.

Of all the roles Joann held, her favorite was being a mom. That joy only grew when she became Grama Jo and, later, Great Grama Jo.

Joann is survived by her children, Justin (Crystal) Williams and Jamie (Chris) Gifford; and her beloved grandchildren, Colton (Mariah) Linden, Tim (Lexi) Williams, Christa Williams, Jonah Ndungu, Joshua Ndungu, Kaedence McKee, Madeline Gifford, Braedon Gifford, and Evan Gifford, and four wonderful great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Malone, and her fiancé, Mike Allen.

A celebration of Joann’s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00pm at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home in Coldwater, KS, followed by a graveside service at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Joann requested that loved ones “pay it forward” anonymously by doing something kind for someone outside their circle or make a memorial contribution to youth groups in Comanche County.