Mrs. Maxine Pearl Porter

Maxine Pearl (Stoddard) Porter, 94, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center. She was born on June 27, 1931, in McPherson County, Nebraska, the second eldest of twelve children born to Alma T. and Hazel M. (Haddock) Stoddard.

On July 5, 1951, Maxine married the love of her life, Delbert Wayne Porter, in North Platte, Nebraska. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Duane, Marlene, David, and Donald.

Maxine was a lifelong member of the RLDS church. She devoted many years of service as secretary for the Columbia Lutheran Church, and secretary and recorder for the Columbia RLDS and later The Church of Jesus Christ, Columbia Restoration Branch. However, her most cherished and meaningful role was being a mother to her children. She also poured her heart into volunteer work, spending 50 years involved with Boone County 4-H youth. She planned events and managed the Youth Arts Building at the Boone County Fair, where exhibitors could proudly display their projects. Over the years she received numerous awards recognizing her dedication and service to Boone County 4-H.

Maxine is survived by her children: Duane (Cathy) Porter of Zephyrhills, Florida; Marlene (Dave) Sherman of St. Louis, Missouri; David R. Porter of St. Louis, Missouri; and Donald (Connie) Porter of Mesa, Arizona. She also leaves nine grandchildren—Karen Porter, Susan Craig, Christina (Hallene) Sherman, Michael Sherman, Preston (Jessica) Porter, Madelyn Porter, Jaden Porter, Lauren (Kyle) McGinley, and Zachary Porter—and five great-grandchildren: Olivia, Ronan, Eleanor, Dean, and Kaia. She is also survived by her siblings: Will Stoddard of North Platte, Nebraska; Larry (Mary) Stoddard of North Platte, Nebraska; Yvonne Middleton of Yantis, Texas; Joann (Gene) Rookstool of North Platte, Nebraska; Donna (Denny) Bitterman of Holt Summit, Missouri; and M. Kay Perry of Cisco, Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers, Earl, Fred, and Ronald Stoddard; and two sisters, Esther Reynolds and Jannie Matzen.

Coming from a large family, Maxine had a deep love for genealogy and spent many hours researching and tracing her family tree. She delighted in sharing her discoveries with her loved ones. She was a devoted homemaker who gardened, canned, and had a special gift for growing beautiful flowers. Maxine loved providing flowers for worship centers to her church to be enjoyed. A faithful member of the RLDS and then The Church of Jesus Christ, Columbia Restoration Branch, she remained active in her faith throughout her life. In her later years, she enjoyed the challenge of a good puzzle and working through her word search books.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boone County 4-H Youth or the Church of Jesus Christ, Columbia Restoration Branch.

Graveside services honoring and celebrating Maxine’s life will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery (Family visitation at 10:00 a.m.). A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ, 3681 Mexico Gravel Road at 6:00 p.m. followed by food at 7:00 p.m.