Maxine Provan

Maxine Provan passed away peacefully at her Texas home on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.

She was born on April 3, 1936, in Napoleon, Ohio, to Benton E. Lowry Sr., and Marveline M. Lowry. Benton, a Tech Sergeant (Radio Operator) in the Army Air Corps, was killed in action during World War II, and Maxine and her siblings were raised by their mother and adoring step father, Russell W. Lowry.

Russell, who was Benton's brother, also served in the War and had been in action in both Northern Africa and Italy. Upon his return, he and Marveline grew close and eventually married. He cared for the children as though they were his own and was deeply loved.

The eldest of four children, Maxine was preceded in death by her brother, Harry R. "Bud" Lowry, her beloved son, Bill Jr., and her dear husband of nearly 69 years, William R. "Bill" Provan Sr.

After graduating with honors from Napoleon Senior High School, Maxine attended Bowling Green State University, where she was active in the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Also while at Bowling Green, she met the love of her life, Bill Provan, when he was a cafeteria worker at her dormitory. They married on Sept. 16, 1956, and eventually had four children.

Bill's work took the family to several different cities including, Livonia, Michigan, Corona, California, Lodi, California, Sugarland, Texas, and Napa, California. Maxine enjoyed needlework, crochet, knitting and her book clubs.

With Bill, Maxine also came to enjoy golf and became very active in the Women's groups at Sugar Creek Country Club in Texas and Napa Valley Country Club. She and Bill eventually retired to Lockeford, California, and then Stockton.

During their retirement, Maxine and Bill enjoyed frequent vacations in Arizona and Florida, where they played golf with family and friends. Maxine's dream vacation, though, was when they finally took their trip of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand. She even saw a beautiful hummingbird there from which she took her screen name: Galah.

Maxine is survived by three of her children, Coleen Hennig, Kevin (and Kim) Provan and Jenny (and John) Guiles; three grandchildren, T.J. Hennig, Trevor Kaufman and Jackson Kaufman; and one great-granddaughter, Esme Kaufman.

She is also survived by her sister and brother, Karen L. Lowry and Benton E. "Ben" Lowry Jr.

Maxine will be laid to rest, along with Bill and their son, Bill Jr., off of the California coast in view of Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Plans for a Memorial Service TBA.

Those who wish to may donate in Maxine's memory at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/ (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).