The Lord's Prayer

She married Mellor Garlick, a military man, in 1942 and together they began a life of travel and adventure after the war. They lived in Virginia, California, Germany, Arizona, Montana, Texas, Ethiopia, and finally made their retirement home in Copperas Cove, Texas.

Much of her childhood was spent during the great depression and this period of hardship had a profound impact on her life. This long period of denial, for so many people, made her into a collector. She just didn’t want to run out of anything again. Fortunately, her husband Mel was also a collector. Together they put together collections of salt and pepper shakers, Avon bottles, barbed wire, tropical fish, bricks, African violets, Native American relics and even matchbook covers.

In addition to the collections, Maxine was an avid craftswoman. She painted ceramics, made beautiful crochet dolls and quilts and painted art. And she didn’t want her children to run out of stuff either. Consequently, each family would receive a hand painted ceramic Santa and house for their Christmas village every year and maybe even a doll. She gave us these beautiful handmade things, but the most important proof of her love was the hundreds of hours she devoted to these presents. Those hours, we know today, were her most precious gift of family love.

She loved the movies and TV. When she visited her sisters in California, they would try to get on TV shows. She made it on to the Price is right once, and won big there. She also was Queen for a Day in the early 1950’s.

Maxine was also a community volunteer. She started the Girl Scouts in Copperas Cove and volunteered at numerous community activities. She raised hundreds of African Violets and was a master judge.

In all, this was a beautiful, loving, intelligent woman who lived a happy, creative and productive 97 years. Well done, Mom!

She is survived by her son, David M. Garlick and wife Jean, and daughter Donna Lee Mollenkamp and husband Jerry. Grandchildren include Ryan M. Garlick, Dinna Hoff, Dara Smythe, and Dawn Parrott, and their families.

She leaves 9 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

In her memory, if you wish, In lieu of flowers or gifts, Maxine would be pleased if you donated some time to your favorite cause.