Barbara Ann Malone, 85, died Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Lone Tree Retirement Center in Meade. She was born on December 11, 1939 in Monet, Missouri to Donald and Evelyn Ruth (Sweany) DePriest; the youngest of three children.

Barb moved to Plains, Kansas with her family while in junior high school and graduated from Plains High School in 1957. While attending an All School Reunion of the Plains High School graduates, she reconnected with classmate, Leon Malone. They married on June 11, 1993 in LaJunta, Colorado. Through this marriage, she became the proud step-mother to Leon's three daughters: Debbie, Connie, and Pam. Barb was a wonderful cook and made the most amazing homemade vanilla ice-cream, which Leon faithfully churned for her. Leon and Barb loved to dance, but Barb always insisted she could only dance in high heels. Leon devotedly cared for Barb until his death on April 28, 2020.

Barb is survived by her three step-daughters, Debbie Brown and husband Kelly of Sublette, Connie VanWinkle and husband Dave of Fowler, and Pamela Tonnessen of Towner, North Dakota; five step-grandchildren, Stephanie Boston and husband Todd of Elmwood, Oklahoma, Dr. Jacob Hessman and wife Meghan of Salina, Cooper Tonnessen of Towner, North Dakota, Kristi Tonnessen (Steven Eskildsen) of Rugby, North Dakota, and Travis Powell (Morgan Heslin) of Denver, Colorado; five step-great grandchildren, Cash Boston, Liam Hessman, Casen Boston, Collins Boston, and Sadie Hessman; sister, Rosella DePriest Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leon Malone; her parents; brother, Tony DePriest; and step-son-in-law, Terry Tonnessen.

Funeral service will be at the United Methodist Church, Sublette on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Terry Mayhew presiding.  A private family burial will take place.  Visitation is on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette. Memorials are suggested to Lone Tree Retirement Center in Meade, in care of the funeral home.thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

The family expresses great gratitude to Barb's caregivers at the retirement center. Their professionalism and kindness toward Barb was outstanding.