Malinda Sue Stover, age 68 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at her home with her husband by her side following an extended illness.  She was born June 9, 1956 in Elwood, the daughter of Jerry K. and Mary F. (Orbaugh) Howell.  Malinda was a 1974 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She married her soulmate, Edwin A. Stover, on Feb. 12, 1977, and they shared over 47 years of marriage together.  She was a member of Main Street Wesleyan Church in Elwood for many years.  While always focused on her family, she also worked with several area businesses over the years including Jim Dandy, Friendly's, the Elwood Middle School cafeteria, and Hobby Lobby.

Malinda was a guiding light for her family, known and loved for her generosity, sense of fairness, and ability to bring others together.  She was also creative, channeling her talents as an avid crafter, quilter, and singer.  Malinda loved karaoke, directed a Victorian choir, and often had booths at charity craft fairs and bazaars.  She enjoyed cooking delicious meals for her family.  Over her life Malinda was a frequent volunteer in the Elwood community, working at the Elwood Food Pantry, numerous church events, and leading the local Girl Scout troop.

Malinda had a tremendous sense of humor, loving to laugh, play games, and have fun.  She was regularly a competitive "Mario Kart" player, and her favorite character was "Peach".  When entertaining, she would often create her own games - frequently with "house" rules that always resulted in comedy.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Malinda's family includes her husband, Ed Stover of Elwood; son, Scott Stover (Kathryn Hedgepeth) of Indianapolis; daughter, Kelly Stover (Ryan Hall) of Indianapolis; 4 siblings, Allan (Carolyn) Howell of Elwood, Rhonda Mosley of Elwood, Gena (Dan) Rittenhouse of Elwood, and Shane (Jaime) Howell of Elwood; lifelong friend, Candie Hull; beloved cat, "Pepper"; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  Malinda was preceded in death by both her parents.

A funeral service celebrating Malinda's life and faith will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Tim Becker and Pastor Wynn Stenftenagel officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 to 3 pm on Tuesday prior to the service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.