Maxine Washburn

Maxine Washburn, lifelong resident of the Hatfield, MO area passed away peacefully August 26, 2025, at the age of 100 years and 36 days old. She had been residing at the Worth County Convalescent Center for 10 months. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication to her family and farm.
Born Wilma Maxine on July 20, 1925, she was the youngest daughter of Edmond Howe and Eva Gertrude Humphreys James of Ringgold County, Iowa. Maxine attended the Chestnut Ridge one-room school through the 8th grade. Her fondest memories of school included a picnic at the cave on the Miller Farm. As a young girl she was baptized at the Old Watterson Quarry and attended the Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church.
On December 11, 1944, Maxine married her best friend, William Donald "Bill" Washburn in Leon, Iowa. Together, they began building a life centered on family, farming, and serving others raising 8 children along the way. Bill and Maxine first started
housekeeping south-east of Mount Ayr, IA. They moved to southern Ringgold County, IA and finally settled in Harrison County, MO near the Hermix Community. Throughout her life, they lived near the Iowa/Missouri line within a few miles from where Bill and Maxine was born and raised.
Maxine was the epitome of a farm wife. She hauled grain over the hills and curves with children in tow, raised a large garden and strawberry patch, milked cows on their dairy, and tackled every job that needed doing. As a homemaker she always had a quilt in the frame ready for the next wedding, baby shower, college dorm room, or a friend in need.
Her love for family was unsurpassed. Grandchildren anticipated going "over the river and through the woods" for holiday and birthday feasts, summers, and after-school stays at Grandma's house. She had a passion for researching family genealogy and
looked forward to organizing and attending family reunions. Maxine always wanted to be home by dark, feeling someone needed to be home to protect the family and farm. Even after losing Bill tragically in 1987, she planned and enjoyed trips to Ohio and Canada to research family history, visit family and cemeteries. Maxine's life was defined by strength, generosity, and love. She served as treasurer for the Lotts Grove #5 Country School, was a 4-H leader, and was known throughout the
community as a resource for history and genealogy. She usually had an inside entertaining story to support the facts too.
Survivors include her children Jayla Mae Smith, Jamesport, MO; Joe (Carol) Washburn, Hatfield, MO; Rose (Mike) Washburn, Runnells, IA; Penny Washburn, Hatfield, MO; John (Marie) Washburn, Columbus, NE; Rob (Tina) Washburn, Eagleville, MO; Ten Grand-Children; Five Step-Grandchildren; Twenty-eight Great-Grandchildren; Three Step-Great-Grandchildren; and Two Great-Great Grandchildren.
Mrs. Washburn was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill Washburn; son J.D. Washburn; daughter Mariann Pottorff; siblings Phrayne James, Bus James, Jessie Washburn, Jim James, and Darline Adkins.
Open Visitation will be held at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, IA on August 30, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 12:00 PM – 2:00PM. Services begin at 2:00 PM August 30th at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Lotts Grove Cemetery, where Maxine will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bill.