Memorials

Ralph F. Maloney, 85, of Amarillo , Texas , died Thursday, February 19, 2009.

He was born April 4, 1923, the son of Edward and Elizabeth Burns-Maloney, in Churu-busco.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and after returning home from the war, he married his lifelong love, Elizabeth "Betty" VonderHaar on Sept. 13, 19 47, in Fort Wayne.

Mr. Maloney worked for Phelps Dodge Copper in Fort Wayne until 1969, when he moved his family to El Paso. He worked there until 1979, finishing his career at Asarco in Amarillo until his retirement in 1986. After his "retirement," he continued working at Pride Home Center and really enjoyed his customers and co-workers.

He was a wonderful family man, husband and father to his five children, teaching good sportsmanship and a strong work ethic. His hobbies included a passion for ice fishing, hunting and making archery bows for his family and close friends.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years; three sons, Dennis (wife, Gayla) of Amarillo, Matt (wife, Shelley) of Los Lunas, New Mexico, and Joe (wife, Tina) of Bushland; two daughters, Kathleen Yarrington (husband, Larry) of Fort Wayne and Joyce Linder (husband, Mark) of Columbia City; seven grandchildren, Chris, Shannon, Shayne, Alisha, Jayme, Dustin and Matthew; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Jane Mertz of Fort Wayne.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday in the sanctuary of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Rosary was recited St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Chapel. Burial took place in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Montessori School of St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1200 S. Washington, Amarillo, Texas 79102.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.schoolerfuneral.com