Martha Keplinger Malkus, 86

CAMBRIDGE - Martha Keplinger Malkus, passed away Friday, July 3, 2009, in her home. She was 86. She was born in Cambridge May 13, 1923, and was a daughter of the late John and Lydia Scherch Keplinger. Mrs. Malkus graduated from Cambridge High School in 1940 and also attended Salisbury State Teachers College for one year. She worked at the main office of Phillips Packing Company, where she was trained to use one of the first computers on the Eastern Shore. Mrs. Malkus also worked for the American Year Book Company. Later, she was a substitute teacher for Dorchester County, and she was a host for foreign exchange students from Norway, Denmark and Japan. First and foremost she was a homemaker. She loved her family, her church and music. She enjoyed painting and wildlife as well as sewing and crocheting. Mrs. Malkus was a member of Immanuel Church of Christ, where she was the organist for 64 years. She was a talented pianist who taught piano lessons to many local children. She was also an active member of the Dorchester County Farm Bureau Women's Committee. Beside her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Bertha Wright, Gloria Langrall, and Iris Fluharty; and a brother, John Keplinger Jr. She is survived by her husband, Milton M. Malkus Jr. of Cambridge, who she married on Dec. 25, 1942; two sons, Milton M. "Sonny" Malkus III and wife Dr. Betty Malkus of Cambridge, and Keith Malkus of Cambridge; a granddaughter, Dr. Amy Jane Malkus of Johnson City, Tenn.; two grandsons, Dr. Mark Malkus and wife Mindie of Cambridge, and Milton M. "Chad" Malkus IV and wife Steffanie of Cambridge; five great-grandchildren, Hayley Malkus, Jack Malkus, Carter Malkus, Lachlan Malkus and Fynn Malkus; three sisters, Zelma Garretson-Butt of Towson, Ruth Galbraith of Oxnard, Calif., and Joyce Mueller of Preston; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Dr. Mark Malkus, Milton M. "Chad" Malkus IV, George Barnett, Dr. William Bair, Bill Malkus and Philip Jackson. A funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 5401 White Hall Road, Cambridge, with Rev. Joan P. Evans officiating. Burial will follow at Old Trinity Churchyard. Family will receive friends from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ, 5401 White Hall Road, Cambridge, MD 21613; or to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge.