Maxine Lucille Smith was born in Curtis, Washington, on February 18, 1934. She was the fourth child born to the parents of Clarence “Tip” and Lucille (Gillespie) Grandorff. Maxine had five brothers and four sisters - Delores “Rit”, Richard Duane “Bean”, Wesley John, Jessie “Deed”, June, Gene “Bud”, Clarence “Neil”, Floyd “Chirp” and Sheryl. Her father was a logger so as a child their family moved often following where there was work, but they always seemed to come back to the Oakville area.
Maxine met Marion at a dance at the Swede Hall in Rochester, and on March 28, 1953, shortly after she turned 19, they were married. They lived in Seattle while Marion was going to school at the University of Washington. In September 1953, Marion was drafted in the Army and they moved to Fort Ord in Monterey, California. Their daughters, Debbie and Dwee were born during their time there. They moved back to Rochester, Washington, after Marion’s service in the army was completed after 2 years, where two more children, Michael “Guy” and Gary were born. Maxine and Marion built a new home in Olympia in 1960 and two more sons were born, Roger and Dale. They lived in their home for over 60 years until recently moving to Silver Acres in Centralia.
Maxine loved being a mother and loved family. Mom would hold the Smith and Grandorff family reunions on the 4th of July and during the summer months where many family memories were made. She looked forward to hot summer days when the grandkids and great-grandkids would come over and swim. Her favorite holiday was Christmas where the house would be full of family on the traditional Christmas Eve get-togethers.
In her younger years Maxine was active in the Littlerock PTA, Littlerock Church, Fire Auxiliary and later worked at Littlerock Elementary until she retired. Maxine loved to quilt, loved flowers in the yard, golfing, bowling, watching her kids, grandkids and great grandkids play sports, and time with friends and family.
Maxine and Marion had a special group of close friends that they rode motorcycles with, the Baker’s, Moore’s and Breck’s. Their motorcycle trips brought them much joy and laughter along with camping trips, card parties, holiday celebrations and more. In her later years Maxine loved her monthly lunch dates with her Littlerock lady friends.
Maxine is survived by her husband, Marion, whom she was married to for almost 70 years, her two daughters Debbie (Dave) Mounts, and Dwee (Bruce) Baker, her four sons Guy (Joyce) Smith, Gary (Donna) Smith, Roger (Carmen) Smith, Dale (Sue) Smith along with 18 grandkids and their spouses, and 30 great-grandkids. She is also survived by three sisters, June Wollen, Deed Swearingen and Sheryl Carlson and also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who lovingly called her Aunt Mac. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Lucille Grandorff, sister Rit Delaney, and brothers John, Bean, Bud, Neil, Chirp, and grandson Evan Smith.
A special thank you to the staff at Silver Acres for their kindness and compassion in her final hours.
A celebration of life will be held on February 25th at Littlerock Elementary from 2:00-5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics or a charity of your choice in memory of Maxine Smith.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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