Dorothy Malik

Dorothy Mae Montgomery Ridinger Malik, 99, of Springfield, MO, formerly of Chalk Hill, PA, passed away quietly in her home on January 7, 2017.

She was loved enormously by many friends and family members. She will be remembered fondly for her countless positive traits, especially her cooking, wit, generosity, charm, and keen ability to care for others.

Dorothy was born in Henryetta, OK on November 8, 1917 to Ray and Lottie Montgomery.

Although her childhood was spread throughout several states, Paris, AR was her home. She was a proud 1935 graduate of Paris High School. While visiting relatives in Irwin, PA, Dorothy met Logan Ridinger and the couple married in 1942. Dorothy and Logan welcomed their daughter, Rhonda, into their lives in 1950.

Following Logan’s death in 1952, Dorothy returned to her native Arkansas and entered nursing school at Sparks Hospital in Ft. Smith. As part of her training she worked in the psychiatric and obstetric wards of Charity Hospital in New Orleans, an experience she recalled fondly for many years thereafter. She earned her nursing degree in 1955 and worked as a registered nurse under the direction of Dr. John Smith at the Paris Hospital in Paris, AR. Because of her exceptional nursing skills as well as her love for others, Dorothy gained the trust and respect of many in the Paris community. This was evidenced by the large number of people who sought her to provide private skilled care even after she retired from nursing.

Dorothy married George E. Malik on April 10, 1959 and relocated to George’s native Everson, PA. In 1972 George and Dorothy built a cozy A-frame house on a mountaintop in Chalk Hill, PA, where she enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and hosting family and friends. During this time Dorothy and George traveled often and pursued their interest in antiques. They relocated to Springfield, MO in 1989, following the birth of their grandson Christopher, who Dorothy recently enjoyed watching graduate from college. A devout Christian, Dorothy studied the Bible thoroughly and loved the Lord. She was an active member of the Paris First Baptist Church in Paris, AR, the Calvary Baptist Church in Irwin, PA, and the Everson Evangelical Church in Everson, PA. Some of the fondest memories of Dorothy include her cooking (apple pie was her specialty), her endlessly entertaining conversational wit, and, perhaps most importantly, her ability to unfailingly care for others. Her genuineness and sweetness were second to none.

She is survived by many caring relatives including her daughter, Dr. Rhonda Ridinger of Springfield, MO; grandson, Christopher Clark of New York; niece, Dottie Miller of Marble Falls, TX; nephew, Rev. Peter Malik of Uniontown, PA, brother-in-law, Melvin Malik (Dolores) of Scottdale, PA; and sister-in-law, Dora Curry of Greenville, SC, as well as many other loving nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends spread throughout western Pennsylvania and the country. She was preceded in death by her devoted first husband, Logan Ridinger; devoted second husband, George Malik; her parents, Ray and Lottie Montgomery; dearest aunt, Lillian Watson; three older brothers, Norman (Florence), Roy and Raymond (Buck) Montgomery; niece, Patsy (Darrell) Landry; niece, Jeanine McLaren; and nephew, John Ray Montgomery.

Family and friends will be received at the Everson Evangelical Church, 414 Painter Street, Everson on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 10 am until the time of her funeral service at 11 am with the Rev. Peter A. Malik, her nephew, and the Rev. Travis Deans officiating.  Interment will follow in the Irwin Union Cemetery.  Arrangements are in the care of GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, Scottdale.