Carolyn Maxheim

CRIDERSVILLE -- Carolyn Maxheim (née Brautigam), age 99, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, in Cridersville, Ohio.

Born on April 9, 1926, in Lima, Ohio, Carolyn was the daughter of Fred and Clara (née Fox) Brautigam. She graduated from Blume High School and carried with her a deep-rooted sense of community and faith throughout her life.

Carolyn often described herself as a "country girl," a reflection of her early years spent working on the family farm. After marrying Maurice Fox, she continued to nurture that hardworking spirit while raising their family. For over 20 years, she worked as a beautician out of her home in Cridersville, offering haircuts and styling with warm conversation and care to those who sat in her chair. Later in life, she extended that same nurturing presence by babysitting for numerous families in the area and volunteering at St. Rita's Hospital for over four years.

Carolyn's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She studied the Bible with devotion and found great comfort in its teachings. She faithfully attended church throughout her life, including Methodist churches in Hume and Wapakoneta and Meadowbrook Baptist Church.

Carolyn was known for her beautiful flower beds. Her home was surrounded by huge red geraniums, pots of impatiens, and a bounty of fresh strawberries which bloomed under her attentive care and reflected her love of gardening. She had a special touch with African violets. She and Maurice also enjoyed square-dancing which brought joy and fellowship into their life together.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Irvin Brautigam, Walter Brautigam, Robert Brautigam and Celia Schaub; her first husband of 42 years, Maurice Fox; her second husband of 7 years, Wilbur John Maxheim; and her son Michael Fox.

Carolyn is lovingly remembered by her son Neal Fox (Kate Freiman-Fox); daughter-in-law Cindy Fox; grandchildren Jan Smith, Matthew Fox (Shannon Fox), Carrie Berwick (née Fox) (Brian Berwick), and Grant Fox; as wellas great-grandchildren Lukas Berwick and Ethan Berwick.

Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched-with kindness rooted in faith, a deep love for family, and a steadfast spirit of perseverance cultivated over nearly a century of life.

One of the last of the "greatest generation," may Carolyn's memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Lima, Ohio. Online condolences may be shared at BayliffAndSon.com