Maxine Ruth Emerson

Maxine Ruth Emerson, 86, passed away on June 18, 2026, in Spokane, Washington. She was born June 30, 1939, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Jake and Lucille (Reher) Peterson. Maxine spent her early years in North Idaho and Baker, Oregon, before her family settled in Lincoln, Washington, in 1948, where her father served as Chief Engineer of the Powerhouse at the Lincoln Lumber Company.

Growing up in Lincoln, Maxine developed a lifelong love of swimming and the outdoors. She cherished summers spent in the water and later shared that joy with her family through countless days camping and boating at Lake Roosevelt.

Maxine graduated from Creston High School in 1958 and remained a proud Creston alumna. After attending Kelsey Baird School in Spokane, she worked briefly for a finance company. On September 9, 1961, she married Darryl K. Emerson, and together they built their home and life in Wilbur, where they lived for the rest of her days, aside from a memorable year and a half in Afton, Wyoming—a place she fondly remembered for its mountains and snow.

Maxine and Darryl were blessed with three children: Jan (1962), Joel (1963), and Jerry (1971). She was deeply involved in their activities, from Scouts to swimming lessons to sports. She loved watching baseball and basketball, especially cheering for the Mariners and Gonzaga. Maxine was immensely proud of her grandchildren, Clayton and Katie, and traveled often to watch Katie compete in high school and college athletics.

A devoted Christian, Maxine began each morning reading her Bible and Portal of Prayer. She was an active member of the Wilbur Lutheran Church, later the Wilbur Community Church, where she served on the council, held various offices, and volunteered in many capacities throughout her life.

Maxine played a key role in the family logging business, spending many hours managing the bookkeeping. She went to work as a legal secretary for Phil Borst and, later, Josh Grant. She officially retired in 2023 at age 83 but continued working part time until Josh retired and closed his practice.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Lucille; her sister Barbara (Don) Traner; and her brothers Melvin and Jimmy Peterson. She is survived by her husband, Darryl; her brother David Peterson; her children Jan (Scott) Haugen, Joel, and Jerry (Sherry); and her grandchildren Clayton and Katie (Josh) Reimers.