The Ridge Room at Pine Ridge Country Club was crowded Sept. 31, when members gathered to give a fitting sendoff of Martha Malone who is retiring as an employee of the club after 20 years of faithful service.
“Martha always welcomed those who entered The Ridge Room with a big smile and a greeting, always serving you with a pleasant attitude, to say the least!” said Tommy Harrel in comments at the Thursday night event. “Martha loves Pine Ridge Country Club as if it is her own private club and over the years has performed above and beyond the call of duty, many times at her own expense. The love that Martha has for Pine Ridge and its members is returned to her two-fold as evidenced by the standing-room-only crowd that turned out for her retirement celebration.”
She was born Martha Cole, in Winnfield, but started school in Shreveport where her father worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. The family returned to Winnfield when Martha was in the 3rd grade. She graduated from Winnfield High School in 1959. After high school Martha married James “Buddy” Malone and that marriage produced one son, Mark, who lives in Calhoun, LA.
Martha worked for Dr. Randy Cole for 18 years before coming to Pine Ridge Country Club in 2003. Her initial duties were to manage the Pro Shop, collect greens fees and cart rentals. Later, when these functions were moved to the main clubhouse, she performed those in what is called The Ridge Room, as well as other responsibilities that were added.
“Martha’s main joy at Pine Ridge Country Club came from the people she served, the friends she made, both young and old and in watching the changes in them over her 20 year career. To say that Martha will be missed would be a gross understatement,” said Harrel.
