Angela Mallory, co-owner of Donut Whole, dies at age 44

One of the co-owners of the popular Donut Whole has died, according to the store’s Facebook page.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the untimely passing of Donut Whole co-founder/co-owner Angie Mallory,” the post read.

Ms. Mallory was found dead Monday morning at her residence, friends said. She was 44.

“Angie was hugely creative, smart and had a wonderfully loving heart,” said friend Laura Tuttle. “There’s another hole in this community that is going to be tough to mend.”

Ms. Mallory and Michael Carmody opened the Donut Whole at 1720 E. Douglas in early 2009. The next year, their business with the rooftop rooster made an iPhone travel app list of must-see odd and off-the beaten-path Kansas roadside attractions.

Carmody would not comment Monday.

“We thank all of you for your kindness today and over the past six-plus years,” the Facebook post said. “The shop is open and we invite you to drop by and pay respects this evening. Flowers, candles, photos, kind thoughts welcomed.”

Ms. Mallory, a native Wichitan, was born on May 12, 1971.

She was close friends with Tanya Tandoc, and some of her friends said Ms. Mallory was despondent when the owner of Tanya’s Soup Kitchen – located across the street from the Donut Whole – was found murdered in the basement of her Wichita home in June.

Like Tandoc, Ms. Mallory had become a belly dancer.

“She had an unbelievable enthusiasm for life,” Lalana Chastain, another friend, said Monday. “She was filled with incredible generosity, thoughtfulness and authenticity.

“She was just eccentric – a really smart, hilarious woman who had so much passion.”

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 9:26 PM with the headline "Angela Mallory, co-owner of Donut Whole, dies at age 44."