Alice Maxine Keith passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the age of 100. From the beginning, she was called Maxine. Maxine was born on the 14th of April 1924 in Cushing, Oklahoma to William Albert Coonce and Nancy Elizabeth Strong. When she was 4 years old, she moved with her parents back to Gainesville, Missouri in a covered wagon. Her brother Roy was born in 1932. Maxine graduated from Gainesville High School. Her family lived out in the country, so during her last 2 years of high school she lived in town with Frank and Jesse Johnson, helping with their children while she finished school. In the summers of 1942 and 1943 she lived in Kansas City with her cousin Pearl Luna and worked at Bendix Corporation. There she made parts and equipment for wartime military aircraft. Maxine lived in Ozark County, Missouri until she moved to Kansas City.
Maxine moved to Kansas City in 1946. She worked for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in the billing department. One of the accounts that she handled was for the well-known Kansas City artist Thomas Hart Benton. Maxine attended the Junior College of Kansas City (Metropolitan Community College), where she earned her Associates Degree in Education.
In 1948, on one of her bus trips back to Gainesville to visit family, Maxine met the love of her life, Max Keith. Max and Maxine married on September 25, 1949 and enjoyed 56 years of marriage until his passing in 2005. In 1956, they built their home in Leawood, Kansas with the help of Max’s brother, Clarence, and their long-time friend, Carl Hoffmeister. Maxine continued to work at Southwestern Bell Telephone until Rex was born in 1959. Twelve months and 4 days later, Karan was born. Max and Maxine would continue to reside at their home in Leawood for the remainder of their lives.
Her faith in Jesus was important to her. She was a lifelong member of the Churches of Christ. When first married, they attended the 67th and Woodson Church of Christ, which later became the Overland Park Church of Christ.
Maxine was a member of the Marsha Bagby Elementary School PTA and actively involved in many of her children's activities. As Rex and Karan reached Middle School, she started selling Avon. She also began working for the Overland Park Church of Christ Sonshine School. One of her favorite memories was caring for the babies with her two friends, Maxine Rose and Virginia Butner.
Maxine was an avid bowler from high school until she was 96 years old, when Covid stopped her bowling career. She was in many leagues accumulating dozens of bowling trophies and awards. She loved working in her yard and visiting with her neighbors. She also enjoyed cooking, especially for her grandchildren.
Max and Maxine loved to travel, taking the family on numerous vacations around the world. They continued their travels after Rex and Karan left home, traveling throughout most of the United States, including 2 trips to Hawaii, and trips to over 15 countries. Some of her favorite places that she visited were England, Ireland, Italy, Israel, and going through the Panama Canal.
One of her goals in life was to celebrate her 100th birthday, which she accomplished. She was always an optimist, including in her last week of life when she made the remark, “Do you think I can make it to 110?” Maxine loved God and anticipated the day that she would be reunited with her Max.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Max, and her brother, Roy and his wife Esther. She is survived by her son Rex (Kris) Keith, daughter Karan Keith, granddaughters Erin, Ainsley, Lauren, and grandson Jaden.
Memorial Celebration 12 pm, May 2nd at Southpoint Church of Christ, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation and Burial 12:30 pm, May 3rd, Robertson- Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Missouri. Followed by a Graveside Service at the Moody Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Moody Cemetery, Moody Missouri; Southpoint Church of Christ, Kansas City, Missouri; or The American Heart Association. All donations may be mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main, West Plains, MO, 65775.
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