Robert MALEY

Robert Arthur Maley, a lifelong Thornton area farmer and well-known community member, passed away April 15, 2025, at the age of 87 in St. John, Washington. He was born June 28, 1937, in Spokane, Washington to Art and Mae Maley.

Bob attended grade school in Pine City and Thornton and attended high school in Rosalia, where he was actively involved in athletics and numerous clubs. He graduated from Rosalia High School in 1955. There he met his high school sweetheart, Sally Jo Kliewer. Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed at Barbers Point, Hawaii. In the military, his duties were primarily as an airplane mechanic. He enjoyed his time working on the airplanes and the camaraderie with the pilots. He remained interested in airplanes for the remainder of his life and enjoyed reading about them often.

In October of 1958, he and Sally Jo were married and embarked on a journey that spanned 52 years, until Sally's passing in 2010. Together they raised three sons on the family farm, in the same house Bob grew up in. Bob remained on the family farm even through retirement, helping when needed.

Throughout his adult years Bob was actively involved in numerous community projects and enjoyed serving the community he lived in. Bob especially loved working on any project that involved sports in the area. He coached Little League baseball in Rosalia for many years, and cherished the many lasting friendships the baseball world brought him. He was an avid sports fan. Bob attended numerous sporting events in Whitman County, supporting several local teams throughout the years. He especially enjoyed watching his sons' sporting events and eventually his grandchildren's sporting events.

Bob was fortunate to work on the family farm alongside not only his father and two brothers, but also with his sons and grandchildren as well. Farm life suited him well and provided the lifestyle he cherished.

In retirement, one of Bob's favorite pastimes was attending coffee hour with a local group of friends. He looked forward to their conversations every day and rarely missed the opportunity to join them.

Bob's life was one that included service to his country and community, along with the dedication to work on the family farm.

He is survived by his sons, Graig and Shawnda Maley, Brad and Kris Maley, and Brian and Nicole Maley; his sister, Darlene Buergel; eight grandchildren, Michelle and Chris Myers, Katelyn and Jake Smith, Jim Maley, Briann and Kelton Hunter, Ryan and Regan Maley, Steven Maley, Cole and Britzy Doughty, and Madison Doughty; and three great-grandsons, Harvey, Jackson, and Cal.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, beginning with the burial at 10:00 AM, at the Rosalia Cemetery and a memorial service at the Rosalia Community Church, on Whitman Avenue, at 11:00 AM. Corbeill Funeral Homes in Colfax, WA is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.