Ora Maxine Larson, 94, passed away on January 8, 2022.
Maxine was born June 3, 1927 in Burley, Idaho to Emer Leroy Winward and Emma Rebecca Koyle Winward. She grew up with two older sisters, Eleanor and Florence, one younger sister, Venice, who passed away at eleven years old, and one brother, Emer.
Maxine attended schools in Burley, graduating from Burley High School in 1945. She was always known as a hard worker. While in high school, she worked at the Miller Drug Store. She also began working at JC Penney in Burley after attending a semester at Idaho State University. That experience later led to a 31-year career working for Penney’s in Boise, retiring in 1990.
While attending Idaho State University, she became interested in sketching and painting, especially landscapes. Throughout her life, that artistic skill carried over into a love of scrapbooking. Family members were glad recipients of their family histories through photos and stories.
Maxine met her eternal dance partner at a Gold & Green Ball when he stepped in to replace her partner, who, luckily for Maxine, was taken home by his mother. On April 19, 1949, Ross and Maxine were sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple. Together they raised their three sons, Cornel, Kerry, and Larry.
In 1956, Ross and Maxine purchased a house on Cherry Lane in Boise where Ross set up his barbering business. She dearly loved her home, having lived there 65 years, where grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren, came to spend time, play ball, and eat M&Ms. During this time, Ross and Maxine also developed many dear and lifelong friends with whom they regularly dined and played games.
Maxine was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, including ward and stake Young Women president, counselor in Relief Society presidencies, stake missionary, and temple guide. She was a faithful visiting teacher to the end, always available to serve when called upon.
Maxine is survived by her three sons, Cornel (Stephanie), Kerry (Mary), and Larry (Tracey); nine grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren; and one brother, Emer K. Winward (Karma). She was preceded in death by her husband, Ross, her parents, and three sisters.
A brief service and grave dedication will be held at the Idaho State Veteran Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho on Tuesday, January 18th at 11:00 a.m. with interment at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery. A viewing will be held for friends and family on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Relyea Funeral Chapel at 318 N. Latah Street in Boise. Please honor all Covid restriction as well as wear a mask while inside the funeral home and the Veteran’s Pavilion.