Jane Hilda Maxwell

Jane was born to Gerhard and Anna Linman. She lived and attended school in Kingsburg. After graduation, she continued her education at Reedley College. In June of 1954, she married Tom Maxwell and moved to Dinuba, into a house that Tom built for them on his parent’s property.

Three daughters quickly came into their lives followed 4 years later by a son. Jane and Tom moved to Reno, Nevada in 1961, for a new job. They lived there for 3 year, until Tom’s job transferred the family to Visalia.

Jane was a wonderful and creative mother for her 4 children. She often made their clothing to help make ends meet. She was a loving volunteer, supporting her children in their many activities as a leader for girl scouts and 4-H.

She was a primary church teacher at First Baptist Church, now known as Gateway Church. She excelled in telling Bible stories to older kids in way that resounded with the kids.

She was an excellent seamstress, sewing costumes for Billie’s Costumes for many years to help supplement the family income. Later, she and Tom, opened Tom’s Body and Paint. She quickly learned how to run a business and keep the books. She kept licorice in the bottom drawer of her desk for all the grandkids that happened to stop by.

As a very gracious host and mom, Jane loved to bake bread and make candy. Her kitchen was filled with the scent of homemade yeast biscuits from the weekend before Thanksgiving until Christmas. Her recipe was one that had been shared by her grandmother. She always had chocolate chip cookies for anyone who might come to visit.

After she retired from work, she started making cards to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. She also sent cards to anyone who was not feeling well or just needed a bright note to make their day better. Each envelope included a funny story to go with the card. This was a task she took seriously and performed it faithfully for many years. The last ones were completed a few days before she passed.

She lived life as a servant to Jesus and was a terrific example to her grandkids and great grandkids.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Maxwell.

Surviving are her sister Betty Jo North from Reedley and Fern North (John) from Placentia, CA and her brother Russel Linman from Reedley.

Surviving family included her daughters Margie Praster (Greg) from Visalia, Carol Kaminski (Joe) from Visalia, Diane Carson (Rick) from Oakdale, and son Duane Maxwell (Kibby) from Visalia, 16 Grandchildren and 28 Great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia. Due to Covid-19, the family has requested a private service.

At a later date, there will be a memorial to honor the life of Jane.