Alice Maxine Paxson Mussa
Alice Maxine Paxson Mussa, 89, most recently of Oakview Estates, Frontenac, Kansas, passed away on May 5, 2023 after a lengthy life filled with love. She possessed a strong spirit and didn't let arthritis, cardiac problems, or cancer get her down.
On October 8, 1933, Alice, known as Maxine, was born to Charles Oscar Paxson and Alice Hefley Paxson at their family home in rural Baxter Springs, Kansas. She was the youngest of ten children. A lifelong resident of Southeast Kansas, Maxine spent her formative years on the family farm and had cherished memories of family, 4-H, and farm life. She had a special love for animals and enjoyed riding her paint horse, Tony, playing with her cocker spaniel, Paxie and hoards of kittens. As a youngster, Maxine attended Elm Tree School, a one-room schoolhouse filled with neighbors and cousins. When Maxine was 7 years old, her mother passed away, and in 1949 she and her father moved from the farm into Baxter Springs proper. After Maxine graduated from Baxter High School in 1951, she went on to study business at NEO in Miami, Oklahoma, but left book learning behind to begin a career in banking. Over the next fifteen years, Maxine worked for the Baxter State Bank in several capacities. She was the first female officer at the bank and loved to tell anyone who would listen that it took two people to take her place upon her departure. She cherished the opportunity to work with her sister, Mary Ann, sister-in-law Delores "Pat" Paxson, and Erma Kent, who became like family to her. In a world without e-mail or direct messaging, she continued regular contact with most of her co-workers.
In 1964, Maxine was introduced to John Henry Mussa through mutual friends. It was arranged for them to meet at an event hosted by the Magnolia Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Baxter Springs, KS. Their first date was on New Year's Day 1965, and they immediately hit it off. Maxine and John married on January 8, 1966 at the First United Methodist Church in Baxter Springs, KS. They were married for over thirty-nine years when John predeceased her in May, 2005. Maxine and John's union resulted in two children. Maxine was a caregiver. Her father moved in with Maxine and her young family, where she cared for him until his death. Upon moving from Weir to the Mussa family farm, she provided care for her mother-in-law. She took great pride in her family and supported her children's endeavors. As a housewife, Maxine kept a fastidious home, cooked full meals three times a day, gardened and canned vegetables. She kept meticulous books for the farm. Maxine enjoyed the challenge of flower gardening and kept a beautiful rose garden filled with rare roses. After her children were raised, she used her newly found spare time to volunteer with Mount Carmel/Via Christi Hospital. From 1988 to 2012, she donated countless hours and finances to the Auxiliary. She most enjoyed her time in the gift shop, where she and Donna Viets developed a friendship that continues to this day. In 1996, Maxine became a grandmother for the first time. She became Vince's part-time sitter from 1997 until he entered school. Maxine frequently said that it was the best job she ever had and that she couldn't believe that she got paid to have so much fun. She regretted that her age and physical limitations kept her from the same active grandparenting with her granddaughter, Allie. However, there were no limits to her love and pride in her only granddaughter: even in the end, her face lit up at the mere mention of Allie.
After marriage, Maxine moved from Baxter to the Weir area, and she continued her membership in the Magnolia Chapter of the OES. She was honored with her fifty-year membership in the Order Of Eastern Star in 2001. Her OES Bible was one of her most treasured possessions; Maxine kept it next to her recliner at Oakview. She held a lifetime membership in OES. Maxine had been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Baxter since 1945. Her favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)
She loved her first hometown and continued involvement in the Baxter community by attending most Cowtown Days, all-school reunions and organized the BHS Class of 1951 reunions.
Maxine loved her second hometown, and during her younger years, she volunteered in the Scammon community: church, her children's school and the bicentennial celebration. In her elder years, Maxine enjoyed reading and frequented the Weir Public Library as a member and patron. She cherished her country neighbors and the friendships she forged over fifty-seven years living there.
In January 2022, Maxine left her farm home nestled between Weir and Scammon and moved to Oakview Estates Assisted Living. She loved living in a place with such caring staff and enjoyed a more active lifestyle there. She considered the residents and staff to be like an extended family. Her friend, Mary Davis was her steadfast friend and partner in shenanigans at Oakview.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister Mary Ann Kinion. Seven brothers predeceased her: Martin, Lloyd, Robert, Ivan "Sam", Lester, Maurice and an unnamed infant.
She is loved and remembered by her children: Mary (Steve) Geier and Carl (Tracey) Mussa and grandchildren: Vince Geier (Haley Harper) and Allie Mussa. Her sister Erma Louise Hodson also survives.
Per Maxine's wishes, her body has been cremated, and a memorial service will be held at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Weir on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. with a visitation immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Mt. Carmel Auxiliary or the Oakview Estates Activity Fund. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com.
