Maribeth Malott

Maribeth Malott, age 71 of Ripley, Ohio passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the Villa Georgetown Rehabilitation Center in Georgetown, Ohio. She was born Septembert 19, 1954 to the late Tate and Frankie (Carpenter) South. Maribeth graduated from Georgetown High School in 1972 and married Jim Malott, of Georgetown, Ohio on January 19, 1973. They were married for 17 years and had two children, Shawna Raye and Matthew Malott. She started her lifelong career as a Paralegal for the law firm, Cassidy and Kelly, in 1973. Later in life, she obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ohio State University. Maribeth spent 35 years as a paralegal working with various law firms before retiring in 2017.In 1999, she met and married John W. Creachbaum and together they built a life in Ripley, Ohio. They lived together in companionship until his death in 2024. They made countless memories, good friends and left stories that will last a lifetime. Maribeth was strikingly beautiful, intelligent, athletic, quick-witted, opinionated and loyal. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren fiercely and unapologetically. Her vibrant spirit was well known amongst all that knew her. To know her was to love her. Maribeth was “the life of the party” in every room. She always had ‘the answer’ and always had to have the last word. She would offer advice and end every statement with “trust me” to advocate that she was always right, even when she wasn’t. Maribeth always delivered both wisdom and laughter to all friends and family alike and used her knowledge and experience to aid anyone in their time of need. She was known as Nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren and could always be heard above all others at any sporting event cheering on her pride and joys. Maribeth leaves behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, faith and devotion to Jesus, and memories that will be remembered and shared for years to come. Her authenticity will remain in the hearts of all that knew and loved her...HOODY HOO! Besides her parents, Maribeth was preceded in death by her life companion - John Creachbaum and one brother - Tim South.

Ms. Malott is survived by two children - Shawna Slack and husband Shannon and Matt Malott and wife Amber both of Georgetown, Ohio; five grandchildren - Austin Slack (Shelbie Cox) of Ripley, Ohio, Jaiden Slack (Anthony Treinen) of Fairfield, Ohio, Zack Slack and wife Olivia of Georgetown, Ohio and Carson Malott and Lyla Malott both of Georgetown, Ohio: six great grandchildren - Adalyn and Deacon Slack, Peyton, Izick, Izaiah and Bryce Slack; two sisters - Retha Wilkinson and husband Dick of Amelia, Ohio and Patricia Leopard and late husband John of Phoenix, Arizona; nine nieces and nephews - Amy Stacy and husband Rocky of Akron, Ohio, Tommy Wilkinson of Amelia, Ohio, Timmy South of Georgetown, Ohio, Brady South (Hope Burns) of Maysville, Kentucky, Kayla South of Georgetown, Ohio, Kristy Leopard of San Fransico, California, Kelly Leopard and wife Serena of Phoenix, Arizona, Kevin Leopard and wife Usa of Thailand and Abby Scott and husband Ethan of Mt.Orab, Ohio. She is also survived by her devoted four-legged child - Sissy (a rescued Beagle) who comforted her with love and purpose when she needed it most and lifelong devoted special friends - Paul Gifford and family, Jerry Jones and Ernie Jones and Barb and the late Ronnie Connor.

The family invites family, friends and everyone who loved Maribeth to a Celebration of Life Gathering from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the Buttermilk Golf Course, 3539 Eden Road, Georgetown, Ohio 45121. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Cahall Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ohio. The Family would like to thank Jamie Bradley and staff of Vitas Hospice and the staff of Villa Georgetown for their care and support during this difficult time.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Maribeth’s name to Villa Georgetown Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 8065 Dr. Faul Road, Georgetown, Ohio 45121