KEYSER, W.Va. [mdash] Joanne Elaine (Sterbutzel) Malone, age 91, formerly of Keyser, passed away in Morgantown on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.

She was born Nov. 16, 1932, in Masontown, Pa., to Mary Lenore (McKenzie) Sterbutzel and William James Sterbutzel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Mary Margaret (Peggy) Browning; brother William J. Sterbutzel Jr,; as well as her loving husband, Kenneth M. Malone, whom she married in 1962.

Joanne graduated from Seton Hill College, followed by West Virginia University with a Master's degree in Home Economics, and went on to teach in Fort Ashby, Flintstone, and Oldtown schools.

She is survived by her daughter, Maureen Malone Schmitt, and husband, Ralph, of Morgantown; stepchildren Barbara Malone of Janesville, Cal.; Sharon Knotts and husband, Rodney, of Keyser; and Patrick Malone and Kris of Morgantown.

Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Shaun and Joel Knotts, Megan (Malone) Hays and Justin, Stephanie (Macconnachie), and Nathan Schmitt; and great grandchildren, Jansen, Isaiah, Raegan and Avery Knotts, and Patrick and Kamryn Hays.

Joanne was an active member of the Church of the Annunciation in Fort Ashby, for many years, volunteering in many aspects of parish life, and in more recent years attended St. Mary Church in Star City with her daughter's family.

The family wishes to thank the loving staff of Evergreen Assisted Living in Morgantown who have helped to care for her for the past five years, as well as WV Caring Hospice, for their support.

Friends may join the family to honor Joanne's life and legacy at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3344 University Ave., Star City, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., at which time a Scriptural Wake Service will be held to conclude the evening visitation.

Visitation will resume at the church on Wednesday, Sept.18 from 10 a.m. until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Father Gary Naegele as celebrant.

Entombment will follow at St. Mary's Peace Garden Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the WVU Foundation, C/O Kenneth M. Malone Scholarship Fund, #3S938.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover / Morgantown, (304) 292-9494, is providing compassionate professional services to the family.

Condolences and gifts of comfort may be offered to the family at www.smithfcc.com.