MAXINE JONES

Maxine Ruth Hirschi Jones, 65, of Fresno, our beloved wife and mother, passed away on May 30, 2011 in the comfort of her home with her devoted companion and husband, Dr. Richard D. Jones, at her side. Maxine was born on October 1, 1945, to Harry and Ruth Price Hirschi, who preceded her in death, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Nanette and Jack Green. She was an all-American girl who loved family reunions, school activities, art and music. At the age of fifteen, Maxine met the love of her life and determined after their first date that she had met the man she was going to marry. They became high school sweethearts. After Richard returned from serving a two and half year LDS German Mission, they married on August 21, 1965 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Richard and Maxine were married for 45 years. Maxine received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Idaho State University. She taught in the Springville, Utah Nebo School District for two years before leaving to live in Graz, Austria where Richard attended medical school. During the medical school and residency years, she was blessed with six children. Maxine and Richard settled in Fresno in 1976. She helped Richard establish his pediatric practice, while devoting her time and love to her home and family. She encouraged her children to be in academic and athletic activities and joked that her epitaph should read, "She drove." Her home served as an after school haven for many neighborhood children who loved her baked treats and welcoming, wholesome environment. Maxine was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving many years in teaching both children and women to love art, literature, the scriptures, and principles of faith. At the age of 45, she was diagnosed with a highly malignant breast cancer. With unwavering courage, she pioneered many new treatments that continue to benefit women today. She was often asked to encourage and support new cancer patients as they faced the challenge of their illnesses. Her positive attitude throughout her illness has been an inspiration to countless people. She was a loving and devoted grandmother to 13 grandchildren, creating special gatherings, birthday gifts and rewards for special accomplishments. Each grandchild knew Grandma loved him or her best. She was proud of her pioneer heritage and Idaho roots, returning often to lend support to her aging mother. Highlights in her life included taking her mother and family to ancestral homes in Wales and Switzerland; viewing the art exhibits she had long studied and loved; having her children receive advanced degrees, and seeing them engage in her love of service to others. She participated in book clubs all her life and loved a good read. Her graciousness and loving ways were a blessing to us all. Her Savior was the cornerstone of her faith, as she was the cornerstone of her family. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Richard D. Jones; her children and their spouses, Evan of Fresno, Tom and Wendi Schofield Jones of Rexburg, Idaho, Katharina and Samuel Christensen of Layton, Utah, Heidi and Nate Boyle of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Becky Jones of Salt Lake City, Utah, Brian and Candace Mallon Jones of Henderson, Nevada; grandchildren, Emmaline, Daniel, Samuel, and Sarah of Rexburg, Idaho, Elisabeth, Anna, and Benjamin of Layton, Utah, Kate, Jenna, Jace, and Liam of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Evan and Owen of Henderson, Nevada; her elder brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Nancy Hirschi of Roy, Utah. Viewings will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fresno Stake Center 5685 N. Cedar Ave. on Friday, June 3, 2011, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fresno Stake Center on Saturday June 4, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held in Malad City, Idaho, on June 11, 2011. To share condolences and sign the guest book, please visit Farewell's website. FAREWELL 660 W. Locust Fresno (559) 440-0484 www.farewell.com