Leona Maxine Hern

Leona Maxine Hern 92, of Sheridan CA. passed away surrounded by the love of her family on March 15th, 2026. She was born June 8th, 1933 in Eufaula, Oklahoma to late Clarence and Ida Janway. She was joined in Holy matrimony to her loving husband Jimmie Hern on September 19th, 1951. She is proceeded in death by her husband Jimmie, parents Clarence and Ida (Haddox) Janway, brothers Ross, Ricky, James, Vernon and David Janway. Sisters Margaret (Janway) Salmans and Murril Eudean (Janway) Bragg.

Maxine began working as a very young girl in the fields of Oklahoma with her family. Her and her siblings always worked as a unit because that was just what families did then to support each other. At the age of 13 in December of 1946, her and her family made the journey and moved to California. A time that you might want to call the tail end of the oakie migration. Maxine comes from a long line of tough working kin, the hardest working people of her generation. She endured intense labor, struggles, household duties and the skill to survive and succeed during a challenging time. They just knew how to make something out of nothing.

As a young woman, she married the love of her life Jimmie and together they had four children. The two of them purchased a corner lot in Sheridan CA in 1960 that would eventually be the beginning of their forever home and foundation where all would gather for a lifetime to come.

Maxine used her knowledge and skills working ranch and labor jobs to work for Sunsweet Growers in Yuba City for 15 years before retiring but her dedication to hard work didn’t end there. She wore many hats in life. She was a homemaker, a gardener, a carpenter, a cook, a host, but most importantly, an amazing nana. Her hands were never still and if you actually looked and felt those hands, you would feel tough smooth skin with lightly painted nails that probably had some hidden dirt under them. Her hands were full of life that told a life long journey of stories preserved within her.

Maxine became the matriarch of the family and then some. She built a reputation for herself being known for how beautiful her home was. Her arms were always open to anyone that walked through her door and if she did not know you, you best bet that she will know you from conversation before the evening is over. Best known for being one of those Janway girls that sure can cook, she would have you coming back for some more of her peach cobblers and soups. She was the host to all the gatherings and celebrations. Her home was the hub for all things and the comfort she provided within her home, wrapped you like a warm blanket. You would somehow lose all concept of time being there. Maxine made memories for everyone in and outside her home.

A woman of strong rooted faith. Dedicated to the Church of God all of her life, she never lived a day without the lord in her heart. Her faith was strongly active and never just words spoken out loud. Her life was daily lived with biblical hospitality. A woman of God, her faith left a lasting blessing that molded the foundation in her family.

Maxine was graceful, resilient, smart, and tough as nails. She was pure beauty in all stages of her life. A faithful and loyal woman in every way she needed to be. She lived a long and joyful life and became a legacy for all those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children Pam (Hern) and Marty Jones, Sons Kieth, Kent and Kevin Hern, 11 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren plus one more on the way, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren and her sisters Barbara (Janway) Spencer and Joyce (Janway) Cline.

She will forever remain in our hearts and remembered.

Viewing will be held at Lincoln Funeral Home on April 10th, 2026 from 3-5 PM at 406 H st. Lincoln CA. 95648. Services will be held April 11th at 11AM at the Wheatland Community Fellowship Church, 4753 Wheatland Rd. Wheatland CA. 95692. Immediately following Graveside services at the Wheatland Cemetery on Wheatland Rd.

The family invites all to join them in celebration of Maxines life for the funeral reception at the Wheatland Community Center, 101 C St. Wheatland CA. 95692.