Maxine Maynard, loving wife and devoted mother of four children, died peacefully on the morning of August 09, 2007 at her daughter’s home in Fair Oaks, California. She was 79.
Born Maxine Shirley Moross on November 25, 1927, in Mt. Morris, Michigan, she attended Mt. Morris Elementary, Junior, and High School. In fact, at age nine while on the playground, Maxine first met Ernest Maynard and told him, “You’re cute.” The rest is history, as after Ernest returned from World War II, they were married on December 28, 1946.
Maxine and Ernie moved to Gladstone in 1966. Prior to this, they had lived in southern Michigan, northern Illinois, and for a brief period in southern California. With an affinity for numbers, Maxine attended vocational bookkeeping school, and upon moving to Gladstone, accepted a position with Six-County Consortium. She went on to work for Northern Michigan Spliced Veneer and Hansley-Neimann Law offices, before joining George G. Maniaci Center in February 1979. During her working years, Maxine formed endearing friendships through her quick wit, easy laughter, and supportive personality. She enjoyed dinner parties and participating in bowling leagues with her friends.
Maxine retired on March 31, 1989, and she and Ernie embarked on a whirlwind of pleasure from motor home traveling, boating on Lake Michigan, and flying around the country in their Cessna 172. Several flying trips to Arkansas and California brought Maxine many thrills and stories to tell. She was a deeply religious woman with a final affiliation to Sheppard’s Chapel of Arkansas, where she and Ernie would attend annual Passover and reconnect with many friends.
For eight years, Maxine suffered from Alzheimer's, complicated by a life-threatening seizure disorder. After Ernie’s death in 2003, Maxine moved to Fair Oaks, CA to reside with her daughter, Tammy, who ensured grace in her journey and final departing. For a brief period, Maxine resided at Sunrise Assisted Living, only a few blocks from Tammy’s home. Here she would engage in residential activities; however, her favorites were dancing, singing, and yodeling with the entertainment bands. Maxine would be first onto the dance floor, which served to rouse other residents to join her. Always known for her playful and loving disposition, Maxine remained true to her character into her final days. She continued to be an inspiration to her personal caregivers and medical personnel who became involved with her care.
Although the disease robbed Maxine of her ability to remember many events and friends, she always remembered her children and would respond to their voices with an acknowledging smile.
She is survived by four children: Stephen (Robin) of Brighton, MI and children Kimberly, Brian (Alicia), Jason, J. P. (Michelle) and Danielle (Scott) Cannon; Gary (Kathy) of Gladstone, MI and children Stacie and Travis; Tamara of Fair Oaks, CA; and Sandia (Jim) Love of Ann Arbor, MI and children James (Jessa) and Richard.
Maxine had four great-grandchildren. Maxine loved to watch her children gather for celebrations, go family camping, help Ernie work on projects, and visit Wilsey Bay. For many years, she could be seen running or riding her bike alongside Ernie as they trained for running events on roads and hills surrounding Gladstone. In fact, Maxine placed third in Women Over 50 Division during 1984’s Mackinaw Island Road Race. She appreciated the outdoors, and in good or inclement weather, she always insisted Ernie take time to stop so she could feed her “duckies.” Maxine was a true lover of all animals and the wholesome richness the Upper Peninsula brought to her and her family’s lives.
Maxine’s parents, Arthur H. and Gladys (Haskins) Moross, as well as her three sisters, Madeline, Margary, and Beverly Jean, preceded her in death.
Maxine’s family will receive friends on Saturday August 18th from 12:30-1:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Maxine Shirley Maynard conducted by her family will follow visitation at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established for cancer research at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home.
