Kristine "Kris" Kay Malone
Manistee, Michigan
October 24, 1952 - October 8, 2024
Kristine Kay Malone, 71, of Manistee, died Oct. 8 after a short illness.
"Kris," as she was known, truly lived the Gospels, working as a volunteer, mentor and counselor for many religious and charitable organizations in the Manistee and Grand Rapids area.
A faithful member of Divine Mercy/St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee, she led Bereavement Ministry groups, helping people cope with grief following the death of a loved one, something she knew first-hand after the death of her dear husband John Malone 14 years ago.
She especially loved her work with Manistee County Habitat for Humanity, donating her time and talents to make sure people and families in need could realize the dream of home ownership. Kris would proudly show visitors some of the residences that Habitat helped build through careful planning and sweat equity from volunteers and the new homeowners themselves. She was also a member of 100 Women Who Care.
In recent years, Kris was an invaluable volunteer for the Manistee County Democratic Party, knocking on doors, procuring yard signs and supporting local candidates.
Counseling and helping people were in her blood. After graduating from Ferris State College, she earned a Master Degree from Michigan State University. She was a teacher and counselor in the Forest Hills school system in the Grand Rapids area for nearly 30 years. Teaching didn't end with her retirement, she continued to tutor students in the Manistee area.
Kris and her fiancée, Paul Miltgen, whom she called her "pillar of support," were avid bicyclists, pedaling the picturesque bike paths of Northwest Michigan and in the winter biking daily in the Florida Panhandle.
Kris was a quilter and knitter, creating beautiful works that she donated to local charities for fund raisers and as gifts for many friends and relatives.
She will be missed by her family and many friends in Manistee and Grand Rapids.
Surviving her are her son, Patrick John Malone of Kaleva; sister-in-law Patricia Potter (Jerry), sisters Mary Bird (Samuel) of Cadillac, Jo Almond (Neil) of Midland, NC, brothers John Johnson of Cadillac, Paul Johnson of Grand Rapids, sister Julie Delanoy (Steve) of Naples, Fl. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John, daughter, Molly, brother Scott, sister Jane and her parents Carl and Kathleen Johnson.
Arrangements are through Herbert Funeral Home, 706 Kosciusko St., Manistee, where there will be a visitation on Sunday, October 20, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a Rosary being prayed at 3:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 21, at Divine Mercy/St. Joseph Church, 254 6th Street, Manistee. Another viewing at 10 am will be held before the 11:30 am Mass in the Church gathering area.
Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Parnell, MI, at a later date. Contributions in Kristine's memory can be sent to Habitat for Humanity of Manistee County, 521 Cypress St., Manistee, MI. or Divine Mercy/St Joseph's Catholic Church.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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