Maxine Marie Melcher

Maxine was the 3rd child in a family of 10. Mom survived by 4 children Rick, Ron, Russ and Renee. 8 Grandchildren Brian, Michael, Kelley, Ashley, Nicholas, Jacob, Brett, Bradley and Liz.

Mother also survived by sisters Naomi, Barbara, Elaine and brothers John, Ron and Douglas along with sister-in-laws Mary and Karen.

Mother has 6 great-grandchildren and almost countless nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Katherine, brothers Gary, Robert (Bob), and sister Bernice.

Family was number one of her life’s loves.  Loud laughter with all her relatives was always heard during family get togethers.

Her hobbies included cooking (amazing homemade pasta!) gardening, nurturing her rose bushes, and making quilts for various family members.  

Mother made dozens of entries at the Central Washington State Fair for rugs, quilts, food and of course her pie. At the age of 70 mother won the Central Washington State Fair Best Apple Pie.  Along with the 1st Place mother received the 2 POUND Apple trophy. Of all the entries into the fair, she won (3) 3rd place white ribbons, (12) 2nd place red ribbons, (32) 1st place blue ribbons and lastly (1) Premium 1st Place purple ribbon for outstanding quality on a rug she made.

Mother worked a few jobs locally until she was given the opportunity to work for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone, PNWB, which eventually became AT&T….American Telephone & Telegraph.

Mother started on the line with other operators literally plugging lines in here & there connecting phone calls from everywhere.  Later mother showed management abilities and was appointed supervisor.  After 30 years of employment with PNWB mother retired.  She then worked as a bookkeeper for 7-11 in Union Gap.  Then mom, still retired mind you, went to work for PBS TV.  Then mom finally retired for good to enjoy more gardening, baking and quilting.

A celebration of life will be held at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home at 1010 W. Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA. on Friday November 14, 2025 beginning at 2:30-5:30 PM with rosary services from 5:30-6:30pm.  All that knew Maxine are invited to attend. (Food and beverages to be served)

Per Maxine’s request, church services will not be held.  Donations may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Children’s Village or to your favorite charity.