Mallory K. O'Brien

Mallory Kay O’Brien, 30, of Moline, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois.

A celebration of Mallory’s life will be held on Saturday, August 9, at CityView Celebrations (Lower Level Entrance) at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. The celebration will begin with visitation from 1:11 p.m. until 3:11 p.m. immediately followed by a memorial service at 3:11 p.m, during which time friends will be invited to share special memories of Mallory. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory prior to services. Memorials may be made to the family.

Mallory Kay Schloss, the cherished and only daughter of Ben and Kelly Schloss was born on November 1, 1994 in Ottumwa, Iowa. She entered the world six weeks early, which suited her personality quite nicely as she never seemed to slow down from that moment on. There was only a 15 month age difference between her and her older brother, Isaac, resulting in the two being inseparable for much of their lives.

Even into adulthood, they continued to maintain a close bond and be best friends. The duo’s personalities combined with their close bond resulted in many childhood escapades leaving Mallory’s family and friends with many humorous stories to reflect on and laugh about. Mallory spent her early years in various communities while her young parents finished college and moved for jobs. This gave her early roots in Albia, Iowa and Washington, Iowa. Later, she called Fairfield, Iowa home and attended Fairfield High School for three years before moving with her parents to Perry, Iowa and graduating from Perry High School. Mallory went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 2019.

She found joy in work involving science, chemistry and people, finding special fulfillment in this area during her employment with Barton Solvents. Mallory’s dedication was notable in both her personal life and her professional endeavors.

On November 11, 2022, Mallory married the love of her life, Kristian O'Brien, in Eldridge, Iowa. The two shared a deep and joyful bond, filled with love, laughter, and mutual devotion. Their love for each other was stronger than any obstacle they endured together. A love so strong they both felt they would find each other in every lifetime. Soulmates, and twin flames as she would say.

Mallory had a compassionate heart and a generous spirit. She was known for caring more about others than herself, often reaching out to help strangers without hesitation. Whether offering a gift, a listening ear, or a helping hand, she believed "kindness is free" and lived that motto every day.

She enjoyed her beloved pets, Leo and Tiger, crafts, tending to her houseplants, and simply being present with the people she loved. Her voice was nearly indistinguishable from her mother’s—so much so that callers often had to question and guess at who had answered the phone. Mallory was musically gifted with a beautiful singing voice and a gift for playing musical instruments. She was also academically gifted, scoring a 4 on the Advanced Placement Biology test.

Mallory is survived by her loving husband, Kristian O’Brien of Moline, Illinois; her parents, Benjamin Michael and Kelly Ann (Simmons) Schloss of Knoxville, Iowa; her brother, Isaac Howard Schloss, of Ankeny, Iowa who lovingly called her “Malby Cake” from an early age when he couldn’t pronounce “Mallory Kay”; her soon to arrive nephew Jaren Archer Schloss, who she relentlessly teased her brother that she was only going to call by the nickname, “Archie”; her grandparents, Timothy and Deborah (Tryon) Schloss of Strawberry Point, Iowa; John and Jana (Johnson) Simmons of Moravia, Iowa; Ruth (Barnes) and Doug Shields of Knoxville, Iowa; her parents-in-law, Shelli and Don Godke of Eldridge, Iowa and Michael O’Brien of Sterling, Illinois; siblings-in-law, Kourtney (Devin) Peterson, Katlin (Zachary) Arvanis, and Kellen Stover; and her adored nieces and nephew, Brady Stover, Presley and Kinsley Peterson, and Liliana Arvanis. Mallory also is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by an aunt - Shanna Johnson, an infant cousin - Emma Brase, and very recently, her 99 year-old great-grandmother - Oma, Mercedes Schloss.

Mallory stayed in Strawberry Point for a few months in her mid 20s. Oma would chase her around the table when Mallory would get in the way and Oma would say, “You better move or I’ll make you a grease spot!” (This was a reference to old-time washing machines with ringers.) They would both laugh!

The family also invites friends and family to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.