Maxine Marguerite Ellis

On January 27, 1930 a little girl was born in Aurora, Illinois. At the sound of her first cry, God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Her parents Fred and Rose (Steging) Foote named her Maxine Marguerite Foote and thus began a beautiful story; one of redemption, healing and extravagant love.

Hers would not be a perfect life; this little girl would experience storms that would take a toll on her mind, body and spirit; heartaches that would threaten to extinguish hope. Yet through it all, she would continue to rise to her feet, singing, “praising my Savior all the day long”; A legacy of faith that would be passed on for generations.

As a young girl, Maxine excelled in academics. She skipped a grade in elementary school, became the youngest editor of a newspaper in her teens, and stood as a strong young woman in her community. Believing she had more love than her heart could hold, she married Elmer Askeland, and at the age of 19, adopted two children before having two of her own.

After her husband’s death, Maxine married Glendon Jack Ellis; a man who would adopt her four children, before having 3 of their own. (Her children’s names are Brad Ellis, Terry Rainey, Rod Ellis, Claudia Vanderpool, Wendy Niccoli, Glen Ellis and Jennifer Galichia)

Residing in Raytown Missouri, Maxine lived with an open door policy; welcoming neighborhood children, foreign exchange students, friends, church groups and those needing a safe refuge. For those who couldn’t make it to her front door, she prayed for them over the phone, volunteering as a counselor for the 700 Club (CBN).

Giving of herself, made her the happiest in life. Even into her senior years at Waltonwood Carriage Park in Canton, Michigan, her apartment door remained open, so friends and staff could come in and enjoy homemade cookies and banana bread. She knitted hundreds of hats, scarves and dolls; giving it all away to charities.

On May 19, 2019 Maxine’s body left this earth surrounded by her children. But this is her story, this is her song; a “Blessed Assurance” that her life continues even after death.