WETMORE- Maxine E. Eckert, 86, of Holton, formerly of Wetmore, KS passed away November 15, 2008 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS.
She was born October 20, 1922 in rural Mayetta, the daughter of Arthur and Adelia (Busch) Kientz. She graduated from Mayetta High School in 1940.
She married Art Ray on August 2, 1940. He passed away February 6, 1947. She married Dick Eckert on August 24, 1951. He survives.
Maxine was a member of the United Methodist Church of Wetmore and a past worthy matron and a 50 year member of the Zenith Chapter #184 of the Order of Eastern Star
in Hiawatha, KS. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies' Auxiliary in Wetmore.
Maxine had worked at State Income Tax, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Merchants National Bank in Topeka. She later worked for the First National Bank of Wetmore for 20 years, retiring in 1984.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Dick on May 11, 1994 and a son, Gary Ray on January 2, 2000.
Survivors include her husband, Dick of the home; her son, Rick Eckert and his wife Belinda of Delphos, KS; her daughter-in-law, Kellie Ray of Holton, KS; 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Dick and Maxine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 24, 2001. They were also honored by being the Grand Duke and Duchess of the Spring Creek Festival parade on September 28, 2002. Maxine loved to work with her flowers and enjoyed her grandchildren and doing fun things with them.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Interment will be in Wetmore Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Wetmore United Methodist Church or O.E.S. Chapter #184 c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.