Maxine Rice

Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, there was nothing that made Maxine Rice more proud than her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved them more than life itself. She was a classy lady who was beautiful on the inside and out with just the right amount of spunk. Through her example, Maxine’s children learned the incredible value of putting their heart and soul into everything they did, which has now been part of the timeless wisdom handed down to the younger generations who follow her. She created a brilliant tapestry of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of her many friends and loved ones.

The Roaring Twenties were a great time to be an American. Radios were becoming commonplace in our homes while dance crazes like the jitterbug and the Charleston kept people moving and grooving well into the night. Cars had become more affordable, which allowed people to connect between distances that would have otherwise been nearly impossible. Amidst this exciting time there was a young couple from South Bend, Indiana, who greeted 1923 with excitement of their own as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child. Their wait was over on January 27th of that year when their healthy baby girl drew her first breath. Mary Maxine was the older of two children born to her parents, James Max and Florence J (Sullivan) Miller. She was raised in the family home on a small farm alongside her younger brother, Robert. The Miller family harvested chickens and opened their home to guests for Sunday dinners, which included many notable people on several occasions. Maxine, as she was always known, was a student at local schools, graduating from Attica High School in 1941. From there she took some classes at Purdue University.

As a young woman Maxine was ready for all that life had in store for her. She spent some time working at a shipping company during the early days of WWII. On September 19, 1943, she joined the Navy and became a WAVE. It was while stationed on base in Bainbridge, Maryland, that Maxine met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Joe Rice, and the couple quickly found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Maxine and Joe were united in marriage at St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo while Joe was taking classes at Western Michigan University.

Together Maxine and Joe were thrilled to welcome three boys into their hearts and home: David in 1947, John in 1950, and Jim in 1957. Maxine and her boys were given a tough pill to swallow when Joe died at a young age in 1963. This left Maxine on her own to be the breadwinner for her family. Just one year later, in 1964, she moved with her boys from Coldwater to Kalamazoo to take a job as a professional secretary at Western Michigan University.

Being a mother seemed to be a role that was tailor made just for Maxine. She kept her cool with her children, never letting her emotions get the best of her. Maxine raised her children to know right from wrong and that anything worth doing is worth doing right. She stressed the importance of education to her children, but she also instilled a strong work ethic within them through the example she set every day. Handling money was another important life skill that Maxine gave to her children as was a commitment to finish what they start; being proud to be an American, and serving their country. Much of the timeless wisdom that she gave to her children was also passed on to her grandchildren as well.

Always one to keep busy, Maxine was forever doing something. Church was a vital component of her life, and she was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Maxine also volunteered with Loaves and Fishes. For over 30 years she was active in the American Business Women’s Association where she served as the treasurer and president at one time. In fact, Maxine was a part of this organization well into her eighties. During her later years Maxine was also active with Daughters of the American Revolution.

She loved to travel all over, but a couple of her favorite places were in Northern Michigan including Traverse City as she loved watching sunsets over the water. After retiring from Western Michigan University in 1982, Maxine started her own small business taking care of the elderly. She did things like cleaning, grocery shopping, and running errands. It was a great fit as these things kept her active, and she had the opportunity to meet numerous really great people.

Throughout her life Maxine appreciated so many different things. She enjoyed Dixieland music and crafting/collecting miniature dollhouses. Maxine enjoyed a diverse pallet of foods with her favorite food being liver and onions. As a mother she saw to it that her sons were exposed to a wide variety of foods including lima beans and rutabaga, much to their dismay. When it came to cooking, Maxine made the best tuna salad sandwich.

Later in life Maxine was delighted to welcome grandchildren into the family. She was close to Sarah, Amy, and Amanda doing all that she could for all three of them. Holidays were a time the whole family looked forward to as there were memorable gatherings at Maxine’s each year.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Maxine Rice created a wonderful life in which she treasured each and every breath she was given. Accompanied by an unwavering faith as her moral compass, she raised sons who embraced the strong work ethic and diligence she exemplified with ease. Maxine never worried about building wealth, but focused her time and energy on blessing all who came within her reach. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Maxine Rice, of Mishawaka, Indiana, and formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on Saturday, August 10, 2013. Maxine’s family includes her 3 children: David of Niles, John of Kalamazoo, and James (Elizabeth Cohrs) of Traverse City; 3 grandchildren: Sarah (Matt), Amy (George), and Amanda; 2 great grandchildren: Olivia and Willett. Visit with Maxine’s family and friends on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900). There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian of Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake Street. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater. Please visit Maxine’s web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo or sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.