Maxine Flora Cecil

Maxine F. Cecil passed away on October 9, 2018, at the age of 100 years. Maxine was born on January 14, 1918, in Waitsburg. Her parents were Charles A. and Mae (Holl) Mills. Maxine had many warm memories of living on the family acreage and later in Waitsburg, where she graduated from Waitsburg High School. A sister, Joan, was born in 1933.

She met her future husband, John W. Cecil thru friends, Bill and Violet Culbertson at a local baseball game in 1940. They were married on October 19, 1941, at her parents’ home in Waitsburg. They remained best friends and sweethearts until his death in 2010.

Following John’s enlistment in the Army in 1942, Maxine was able to accompany him to Illinois and North Carolina until he went overseas. On John’s return from WWII in 1945, they built their home on Olive St. in Walla Walla. A son, Glen Charles, joined the family in 1953. Maxine was able to reside in the home until 2017, when she moved to Brookdale WW. John and Maxine logged many miles with their trailer and boat. They loved traveling and were always ready for the next adventure. They saw much of the Western U.S. and could remember every fish caught, clam dug, or crab caught on their travels. Each Fall saw them at Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast meeting old friends and putting up the winter supply of sea food. (Maxine never let a grain of sand get in her clam chowder!)

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mae Mills; husband, John W. Cecil; son, Glen Cecil; sister, Joan Reavis.

She is survived by a granddaughter, Sara Harvey and her family: Ben, Brianna, Hanna and Paige; grandson, John T. Cecil; two nephews, Mark Reavis and Blane Ray; two nieces, Cindy Reavis and Jean Lilja; two cousins, Francis Hull and Betty Popp; two very special friends, Julee Bishop and former neighbor, Betty Popp (not cousin Betty); brother-in-law, Richard Reavis; sister-in-law, Nadine Dysart.

A special thanks to the management and care givers at Brookdale WW.

Viewing and visitation will be on Monday, October 15, 2018 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery. An invitation for those that wish to come to my home 1801 Center Street, after the service for a sharing of laughs and tears as Maxine is remembered by each. A light lunch will be served.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Center for abused women through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla.