Maxine Mitchell, 100, formerly of Drury Kansas, went to be with Jesus on September 16, 2021 at Sumner County Hospital District No. 1.
Violet Maxine was born the fifth of ten children on December 20, 1920 in Scammon KS, to Frank and Sylvia (Straight) Mantooth. Growing up in the uncertain times of the depression forged a bond between “Max” and the Mantooth siblings that still endures. Her papa was a teacher and they moved frequently around southern Kansas, but they settled for a time in Leon, KS where she graduated from high school as valedictorian in 1938.
Maxine married Cecil Mitchell on July 10, 1938 in her parents’ living room. The new couple operated the grocery store in Leon where Dennis Wayne was born in 1942. Thomas Deane followed in 1945. In early 1946 they moved to Drury, KS and opened Mitchell’s Grocery and Market. She worked tirelessly along with Mitch in the store and people would come from miles to trade there. They sold the store in 1971 and she decided to attend beauty college. After graduation, she was a beautician at the Chat ‘N Curl in Caldwell.
She was a faithful member of the South Haven United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her memberships in Drury Stars, United Methodist Women, and Extension Homemakers Unit. She was on the election board for many years. Maxine was an immensely gifted pianist and played every Sunday for fifty years at South Haven UMC. She was a lifelong learner and would often read the encyclopedia with her grandkids. She dabbled in poetry and wrote letters to friends and loved ones profusely. Maxine adored Jeopardy, card games, her grandkids, and ice cream. She did not love boiled meat, therefore creating the perfect roast beef recipe. Her credos were “waste not, want not” and “it takes all kinds to make the world go round.”
Her Christian faith and her purity of heart assure us that she is with her Savior in heaven.
She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, a grandson Robert, and 8 of her beloved siblings.
Survivors include her brother Charley and wife Ruthie of Woodland Hills, CA, sons Dennis and wife Shirley of Kingman, KS and Tom and wife Marilyn of South Haven, KS. Grandchildren Greg (Cathy) of Wichita, KS, Lisa (Mark) Parsons of Ellsworth, KS, Cherie (Clint) Headley of Augusta, KS, Carla (Troy) Nida of Cheney, KS, Deana (Roger) Rutter of Cedar Vale, KS, Allison (Rodney) Robinson of Tecumseh, OK, and Molly (John) Partee of Caldwell, KS. Also surviving are 16 great grandchildren, numerous great-great grandchildren, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
II Corinthians 5:8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment.
Private family services will be held.
Memorials may be made to the Sunflower Cottage.
Visitation will be held 8-5 Saturday and 1-5 Sunday.
