Celia May Maxwell

Celia May Maxwell St. Johns Age 97, died August 19, 2009 of natural causes. Celia was born on July 11, 1912 in Ingham County, Michigan. She has lived on the family farm in Riley Township, St. Johns, Michigan since 1919. Miss Maxwell taught school for 39 years, retiring from the St. Johns School System in 1974. During her tenure, she taught at Boughton (1934-1935), Clark (1936-1938), Chapman (1938-1946), Merle Beach (1946-1960), and Swegles Street Elementary schools (1960-1974). Celia was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Frances (Pierce) Maxwell, sister, Beatrice Davey; and nephew, Stanley Krepps. She is survived by one niece, Frances Smith (Kalamazoo, MI), grand nieces, Catherine (Krepps) Stevens (Lady Lake, FL), and Carolyn (Smith) Hallada (Montague, MI), grand nephews, Irvin (Betty) Smith (Mason, MI), Clark (Anne) Smith (Ypsilanti, MI), Russell (Beth) Smith (Kalamazoo, MI), and Daniel (Deborah) Krepps (Grand Rapids, MI), great grand nieces and nephews, great great grand nieces and nephews, and cousins. Celia has a large extended family of former students many of whom have faithfully kept in touch over the years. These former students were one of her greatest joys in life. Celia loved the family farm and her garden. She was an avid MSU basketball fan - even setting her alarm clock to awaken to view the late games. Special recognition to neighbors Gordon and Maxine Strahle, John Dunsmore, Gene Dunsmore, Gordon Dunsmore, and, special friend, the late Helen Post. Your kindness over the years has been a living example of what being the good neighbor and friend is all about. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Also, a very special thanks to Celia's caregivers without whom she could not have remained at home. The family will receive friends at Osgood Funeral Home, Sunday, August 23, 2009, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI, with the Reverend Charles Krueger officiating, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery. To learn more about Celia and view her Life Story film, visit her personal webpage at www. lifestorynet.com/memories/50823 where you can archive a memory or photo, and sign her memory book. The family welcomes flowers or contributions to the St. Johns Schools Foundation for Excellence, P.O. Box 96, St. Johns, MI 48879.