Graveside services for Alice Maxine Keith, 100, Leawood, Kansas, formerly of Ozark County, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Moody Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Keith passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
From the beginning, she was called Maxine. Maxine was born April 14, 1924, at Cushing, Oklahoma, to William Albert Coonce and Nancy Elizabeth Strong. When she was four years old, she moved with her parents back to Gainesville, Missouri, in a covered wagon. Her brother, Roy, was born in 1932. Maxine graduated from Gainesville High School. Her family lived out in the country, so during her last two years of high school she lived in town with Frank and Jesse Johnson, helping with their children while she finished school. In the summers of 1942 and 1943, she lived in Kansas City with her cousin Pearl Luna and worked at Bendix Corporation. There, she made parts and equipment for wartime military aircraft. Maxine lived in Ozark County, Missouri, until she moved to Kansas City in 1946. She worked for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in the billing department. One of the accounts that she handled was for the well-known Kansas City artist Thomas Hart Benton. Maxine attended the Junior College of Kansas City (Metropolitan Community College), where she earned her Associates Degree in Education. In 1948, on one of her bus trips back to Gainesville to visit family, Maxine met the love of her life, Max Keith. Max and Maxine married on September 25, 1949 and enjoyed 56 years of marriage until his passing in 2005. In 1956, they built their home in Leawood, Kansas, with the help of Max’s brother, Clarence, and their long-time friend, Carl Hoffmeister. Maxine continued to work at Southwestern Bell Telephone until Rex was born in 1959. Twelve months and 4 days later, Karan was born. Max and Maxine would continue to reside at their home in Leawood for the remainder of their lives.
Her faith in Jesus was important to her. She was a lifelong member of the Churches of Christ. When first married, they attended the 67th and Woodson Church of Christ, which later became the Overland Park Church of Christ. Maxine was a member of the Marsha Bagby Elementary School PTA and actively involved in many of her children’s activities. As Rex and Karan reached Middle School, she started selling Avon. She also began working for the Overland Park Church of Christ Sonshine School. One of her favorite memories was caring for the babies with her two friends, Maxine Rose and Virginia Butner. Maxine was an avid bowler from high school until she was 96 years old, when Covid stopped her bowling career. She was in many leagues, accumulating dozens of bowling trophies and awards. She loved working in her yard and visiting with her neighbors. She also enjoyed cooking, especially for her grandchildren. Max and Maxine loved to travel, taking the family on numerous vacations around the world. They continued their travels after Rex and Karan left home, traveling throughout most of the United States, including two trips to Hawaii, and trips to over 15 countries. Some of her favorite places that she visited were England, Ireland, Italy, Israel, and going through the Panama Canal. One of her goals in life was to celebrate her 100th birthday, which she accomplished. She was always an optimist, including in her last week of life when she made the remark, “Do you think I can make it to 110?” Maxine loved God and anticipated the day that she would be reunited with her Max.
Maxine is survived by her son, Rex (Kris) Keith; daughter, Karan Keith; granddaughters, Erin, Ainsley, Lauren; and grandson, Jaden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Roy, and his wife, Esther.
For those in the Kansas City area, a Memorial Celebration will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, May 2nd, at Southpoint Church of Christ, Kansas City, Missouri.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, at Robertson- Drago Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Moody Cemetery, Southpoint Church of Christ, or The American Heart Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main, West Plains, MO, 65775.
