Ruth Mallehan

Obituary

God, in His infinite wisdom, quietly whispered to Ruth Joanna Frances Bondy Mallehan that her work here in this world was completed.

It was as if He had tucked the edges of her blanket around her and spirited her away from a world that at the same time had been very difficult but also filled with great rewards during her 94 years. Ruth Joanna Frances Bondy Mallehan of Newnan passed away Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Newnan Health and Rehab.

Ruth's remarkably interesting life story began on Jan. 23, 1931, in Bremen, Germany. She was the only child of the marriage of Erich Bondy, a native German, and Margaret Eunice Grout Bondy. After her parents' marriage, they went back to Germany, where her father had a successful employment. Ruth was born in Bremen, Germany. As the next few years unfolded, living in Germany was fraught with danger for the Bondy family. Mr. Bondy was of Jewish heritage, and the political climate of the time was not in his family's best interest. Since Mrs. Bondy was a native American, she could leave Nazi Germany with Ruth and go back to live in Michigan. As difficult as it was for her father to do this, it was the only sensible solution. He was of Jewish heritage and was only allowed to leave Germany some years later.

Ruth grew up in Hammond, Ind., where she graduated from Hammond High School and then attended the University of Indiana. At Hammond High she met the love of her life, Art Mallehan. They were married in 1951 and spent the next 68 years together. While raising her children, she attended Clayton State College where she received an associate degree in accounting. Ruth and Art moved to Newnan in 1979 where they became members at Newnan Presbyterian Church. Over her lifetime she volunteered with many organizations including 40 years with Girl Scouts (awarded the "Thanks Badge"), Women of the Presbyterian Church (awarded "Presbyterian Women's Life Award"), Council on Aging, The Newnan Pilot Club, Meals on Wheels and PEO, which is a professional women's organization whose mission is to enhance educational opportunities for women.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Z. Mallehan, and son, Arthur Kevin Mallehan. Her legacy of love and service will forever be a part of the fabric of her family, manifested in the lives of her children, including her daughters, Karen (Michael) Baker of Blairsville, Ga., Kimberly (Peter) Poolos of Newnan and Kelly (David) Burnham of Newnan. She was a devoted grandmother to Brandon Jones (Ashley), Courtney (Jeremy) Landman, Heather (Duane) Davis, Aaron (Jenny) Mallehan, Adam Mallehan, Eric (Suzanne) Baker, David (Maureen) Burnham IV, Alyssa (Dalton) Bunn; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Her family will hold Ruth's memory close within their hearts for as long as they live; and as they retell the stories of her life, they will remember their wonderful heritage.

The memorial service to honor the exemplary life and virtuous deeds of this faithful servant will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Newnan Presbyterian Church, 38 Greenville St., Newnan, led by Reverend David Allen Jones II. In lieu of flowers, Ruth's family suggests that her life be honored by memorial contributions to Newnan Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1107, Newnan, GA 30264. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com.

McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory | 770-253-4580