Maxine Mapes

Springfield-Maxine Mapes, 95, of Springfield, passed away at 7:00 am Monday, Oct. 20, 2014 at St. John’s Hospice with a kiss on her forehead, in the arms of her loving son as she went to greet her husband Don in heaven.

She was born in Hiawatha, KS July 24, 1919 the daughter of Dallas A. and Edna Rendleman Balance. She was a graduate of Bakers College in Baldwin City KS. Maxine married Donald “Don” Mapes in Yuma, AZ in 1942 and he preceded her in death Dec. 1, 2009 in Springfield.

Maxine was a teacher for many years in Springfield School District 186, retiring after many years of service. She then worked for William Furling Realtor’s for several years. During WW II, while her husband served over seas in the U.S. Army, Maxine was an instructor on how the engines of the B-17 worked. She also was an inspector of the bombers.

She was a 54 year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, and a member of Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City, AZ. She served as a Stephen Minister at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church. She was an avid bridge player, spending 4-5 days a week playing with her friends. She also loved to work cross-word puzzles, loved to read and was a world traveler. She was a member of the Sangamo Club. She will be missed by her friends and family.

Surviving are her two sons: Scott Mapes of Springfield, and Dallas Mapes of Wichita, KS, her granddaughter, Diedre Maxine Mapes (fiancé Chris Lemon) of Great Bend, KS. There are several nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends.

The family would like to express a special thanks and gratitude to the staff and caretakers of St. John’s Hospice for the compassion and care extended to them.

Memorial Service: 10:30 am Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Rev. Hannah Dreitcer officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall of Westminster.

Private inurnment will be at a later date.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Habitat for Humanity or St. John’s Hospice.