Maxene Adkins Obituary (1926 - 2017)

Maxene Adkins, 91 of Bloomington, passed away surrounded by her family and special friend Ron Guthoff on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 4:37pm at the Heritage Health Care, Bloomington. Her service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 11am at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Following the service Entombment will be held at Park Hill Mausoleum, Bloomington. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Community Cancer Center, Humane Society of Central Illinois or YMCA Children's Programs. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Maxene was born May3, 1926 in Arrowsmith. She was the eldest daughter of Robert G. and Mabel (Sackett) Smith. She is survived by a daughter Marsha Kay (Art) Wynn, 2 grandsons, Scott C. (Christina) Purkey and his children; Bishop, Nola, Sullivan, Eva Rae, Willow, Violet, Leo, Eli, Madison, Collin and Christian and Gregory (Andi) Wynn and their daughter; Cara. Maxene was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter; Janet Rae Tennison, two brothers and two sisters. Maxene grew up on farms around Arrowsmith, Saybrook and Bellflower and graduated from Bellflower High School. During her long life, she worked at State Farm, Wesleyan University and several attorneys. She retired after forty years at Guthoff and Company Ltd as an administrative assistant. Her hands flew on the typewriter line no one else. Maxene never met a stranger. She enjoyed talking to all different folks. For years she met friends for coffee every day at Hardee's. She lured others into joining the group and enticed them to come by cooking and baking for them. She was known for her generosity of her time, talents and money. She took great care of many of Bloomington's widows throughout the years, ensuring they got to their appointments, got their shopping done and checking in on them regularly. She caught the travel bug a little later in life and often accompanied Ron and Nancy Guthoff on countless journeys across the country or across the world. Her suitcase was always the biggest as she prepared for anything. She was also the one who ensured no one starved on any journey they took with her. She always had a can of Chex Mix and a drink for you. She was especially fond of Hilton Head Island and frequented Pool Bar Jim's. Longboat Key, FL was also a longtime favorite. She would ride along with whoever would take her anywhere. Max was also a fervent Illini fan, her Illini spirit could be seen in all her orange and blue apparel, her cheering and attendance at hundreds of games. She was also known as a planner, whether there was a Holiday party to be thrown, a wedding to be held, a retirement party or any other occasion, she was the one to go to. She also loved to dance and did so often in her younger years. Much love to daughter Marsha and her husband Art for delivering her favorite Hardee's breakfast every morning and Friday night ice cream before bed when she would smile that beautiful smile and as was her generous nature, thank them and bestow kisses. Max would like to extend a special thanks to Ron Guthoff and family for their love. Debbie and Cindy, Brandon and Kendall were her second family and were very, very special to her. Another special thanks to Pattie (Mark) Cedarwall of Clayton, CA for all the phone calls, cards and goodies they sent throughout the years and also to the staff of Heritage Health Care, Bloomington for their care and compassion. Her smile and laughter will be missed by many. There will be an empty seat at many places that she frequented. Whenever you have a Martini, make it extra dry and with extra olives to share.