Maxine Norris Davis

Maxine Norris Davis passed away on December 20, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 96. 

She was born on October 25, 1928, in Egin, Idaho, to Helen Johanson and Edward Orville Norris. She was the oldest of four sisters. She spent her early years in Parker, Idaho and lived for several summers in Yellowstone Park while her father worked for the National Park Service doing road construction and maintenance. Opportunities for work during World War II took the family to Tooele, UT, where she did her freshman year and part of her sophomore year of high school. 

They then went to Santa Monica, CA where she completed her sophomore year and all her junior year. Her parents both worked in facilities that supported the war effort. Living in a big city was quite different from her life in Parker or Tooele. She had to ride a city bus to school every day. The cost was 10 cents each way. Her responsibility at home was to do the laundry in a wringer washing machine. Luckily, the war ended, and the family returned to Idaho so she could do her senior year at St. Anthony High School and meet her future husband. 

She graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1946 and attended Ricks College before marrying her eternal companion, Herbert Rice Davis, on June 27, 1947, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were wonderful and loving parents and grandparents to their three children and seven grandchildren. The longevity of their marriage was an example of commitment and devotion. 

Her early married life was spent as a farmer’s wife, working side by side with her husband while raising her young family. She spent several harvest seasons doing what was necessary, often working in dirty, harsh conditions to get the potatoes out of the ground.

Her greatest joy was being a homemaker and mother – taking care of her home, honing her cooking and sewing skills, keeping a clean and tidy house as well as offering love and a nurturing environment for her family. She sacrificed for her children and taught them to be independent and was proud of their accomplishments.

She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities, including Primary President, Young Women President, Relief Society teacher, Visiting Teacher and many others. 

She had a beautiful soprano singing voice and sang in a women’s choir in St. Anthony for many years. Being a member of Mello-daires enabled her to use her singing talent and brought her much joy. She was also a member of a bowling league and enjoyed her monthly night of playing Pinochle with a group of friends.

In 1969 the family moved to Salt Lake City. This was a time of adjustment and compromise for Maxine. She loved her life in a small town but adapted and eventually flourished in her new environment. In 1975 she began a 30-year career at the University of Utah, working at the Utah Cancer Registry where she made many friends and became a valuable employee.

She loved to watch sports and supported her son and grandchildren faithfully from the stands. She was an avid Utah Jazz fan and eagerly awaited each new season. She knew every player (she definitely had her favorites) and had the schedule for the week memorized with the TV ready to go at game time.

She was quiet, kind, sincere and elegant in an unassuming way and knew the humble roots that she came from. She also had a quick wit and,often without knowing, was the funniest person in the room.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, her parents and one of her sisters (Shirley Murri). She is survived by her three children, Lynette Davis, Larry (Shanna) Davis, and SuAnn McFadden, 7 grandchildren, Justin (Tarra) McFadden, Zac (Brook) Davis, Josh (Rachel) McFadden, Carly (Tyler) Simpson, Megan (Kelly) Zierse, Berni Jo (Adam) Davis, Tyson (Melinda) McFadden, 23 great grandchildren, sisters Lois Jackson and Linda Withers, several cousins and many nieces and nephews who affectionately called her ‘Aunt Max.’

She spent the last four years missing her partner, and her family is so happy that Herb and Max are back together. We know a great reunion is taking place with him, her parents and her sister.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Gary Holland, the staff of The Wellington Assisted Living facility, and A-one Hospice (especially Christian) who all gave her loving care. 

Funeral services will be held at Memorial Murray Mortuary on Friday, December 27 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Parker, Idaho cemetery. All services are under the direction of Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries and will be livestreamed. Streaming details can be found at www.MemorialUtah.com.