Lois Jean (Stalorites) Malone

Lois Jean Malone, 77, of Carterville, passed away Friday, June 21, 2019, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Brad Harlow officiating. Burial will be in Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Poshard Foundation.

Lois was born July 4, 1941, in Carbondale, to Joseph Paul and Sara Ellen (Hunt) Stalorites. She married William "Bill" Robert Malone on September 8, 1962, in Carbondale. He preceded her in death on August 10, 2006.

She is survived by her children, Belinda Jo (Jeff "Bear") Dupuy, Donna Jo (Lee) Eklund and William Eugene (April) Malone, all of Carterville; grandchildren, Sara Bree of Carterville, Steven Joseph (Amanda) Elliott of Denver, Colorado, Dillon Scott Eklund of West Frankfort, Jonathon Bradley Dupuy (fiancee, Kacey Yacko) of Carterville, Jacob Eklund of Carterville, Brennan Scott Malone, Alexandra Grace Malone, and Miranda Kay Malone, all of Carterville; great-grandchildren, Koby Braxton Childers, Brawnsen William Bloodworth, O'Ryan Xavier Campbell, Brysen William Ray Dupuy, Sawyer James Dupuy, and Sophia Lilly Ann Eklund; nephew, James Joseph Biederman; nieces, Debra (Sid) Horn and their children, Tim and Ryan, Lisa Malone and her son, Gavin; brother-in-law, Jerry Malone of Galatia; and many dear friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Dick Biederman.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Carterville, which she represented on three mission trips to Kazakhstan.

She received her Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University and completed her Master's Degree at National Louis University.

Lois had a passion for the education and betterment of children. She, along with her husband, Bill, owned and operated Malone's Early Learning Centers in Carterville for over 50 years.  As an advocate for children and families, Lois served as the District Coordinator for Action for Children and as the State Public Policy Chair to Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children. Her accomplishments are many, including:  member of Voices for Illinois Children; Southern Illinois Early Childhood Action Team; Partners in Professionalism; and Children's Champion Award from the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children.

She enjoyed reading and traveling around the world, but what she loved the most was her family. The most treasured part of Lois' life is the lasting legacy she has left in the hearts of  people all over the world she has touched and the difference  she has made in the lives of a child.

Her everyday presence will be greatly missed, especially by her beloved cat, Harold.

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