Maxine Conver was born on May 26th, 1918 in Poplar, Montana, the oldest daughter to Harry, T. and Margaret A. (Mitchell) Martin. She died on February 24, 2016 at the age of 97.
Maxine enjoyed growing up as one of four girls on a small farm near Fort Smith, Montana. Countless memories were retold of life on the farm with her sisters; Ardith Haider, Arline Watkins, and Beth Amundson. Graduating from Hardin High School in 1935, she set off to Montana State College where her romance with Earl Conver began. Marrying December 20, 1941, she found herself working in Long Beach, California to be near a sea port for brief shore leaves with Earl during World War ll.
Following the war, Maxine and Earl eventually moved to Helena with their young son in 1946. Permanently settling on the west side of Helena, they raised their family in their treasured Victorian home and lived there for over 65 years.
Maxine is survived by 5 children; Tim and his wife Barbara Conver, Barry and his wife Joan Conver, Tony and his wife JoLee Conver, Tena Conver and her husband Dick Kenck and Mitzi Conver and her husband Merv Froland. 11 grandchildren; Brent, Morgan and Nick Conver; Jake Conver and Bridget Butler; Heather Clark and Sara Annillo; Korrin Kenck-Vanderloos and Kelsey Camp; Michelle Froland and Darrin Froland. Maxine is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
By far her greatest legacies are the values she instilled in her children and grandchildren, her joy of life, her humble, grateful nature for all she received and an undaunted belief in a positive future. We will always cherish the optimistic view she took with all things. There was no cloud so dark that there wasn’t a corresponding silver lining. Everything, no matter how disappointing or discouraging, served a future purpose and the eventual result would work out for the best. For her, in every setback there was a reason and ultimately another and better door would open.
If there is such a thing as a people magnet, her name was Maxine. Her warmth and engaging personality made everyone feel special and deeply valued. Her joy was the life she lived, the family she adored and the lasting friendships she developed. Our lives are forever changed, our outlook forever improved and inspired, our direction forever altered for the better by having had this fine lady be blessed to our lives. She taught us much, she helped us to be better people, she allowed us to be who we are and she loved us unconditionally. Maxine, your life here with us is over, but your joyous laughter will remain a part of our memory and your special love will be with us always.
We would like to express a thank you to Marie, Neva, and the girls for their exceptional care and to George Olson for his friendship and professional assistance.
Graveside services will be held at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of Maxine’s life will be at the family home following services. Memorials are suggested to Intermountain, 500 S. Lamborn Helena, MT 59601, First Presbyterian Church, 535 N, Ewing St. Helena, MT 59601, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Maxine.
Pamela Conver Jepperson says
Whenever I think of Aunt Maxine, I think of her smile, so seeing this photo, made me smile. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Watkins says
Maxine was a “lady” in the truest sense of the word, with a beautiful, welcoming spirit. She always reminded me of my beloved, paternal grandmother. There is a special place in my heart reserved for Maxine and always will be. As a member of the extended family through marriage, I always felt I hit the jackpot in regards to Maxine and her family. I will never forget her upbeat personality and the goodness she found in most all situations. She was a bright, shining star and I feel privileged to have known her. Sending love to you all~ Cindy
Howard & Lana Tonge says
Our sincere condolences to Maxine’s family on the loss of your Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, and Great (Great) Grandmother. We did not have the pleasure of meeting Maxine, but felt like we had thru our friendship with Mitzi and Merv. May the wonderful memories of her long full life help all of you deal with your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marcia Wall says
I am profoundly saddened to hear of your beautiful and kind mother Maxine passing away. I first met Maxine when I joined PEO Chapter O and she welcomed me into the Chapter with a smile, hug and a twinkle in her eye! She always looked like my beloved grandmother that I loved dearly so I told her she was my earthly grandmother from hence forward. She was like a magnate so full of love, light and her spirit was radiant and strong. I wrote cards to her and missed her presence the last couple of years at our meetings. She gave me a sense of peace whenever we spoke and I loved her with all my heart. Her soul changed my life and will be forever grateful for her friendship and love. She is an angel watching over you with grace and love. May God bless you! You were lucky to have such an amazing woman as your Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother, Auntie and friend. She will be missed beyond words.
Bruce & Diane Seiler says
Maxine was a truly beautiful person. We so enjoyed all of our family gatherings.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Conver children at this time of
sadness.
Janice Frankino Doggett says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mitzi, your mother was such a lovely woman.
Kim (Rice) Susag says
Mitzi, I have many fond memories of being at your house while we were growing up. Your Mom was always a very sweet lady – a genuinely nice woman. I wish I could be there for her services (out of state right now). Hang onto all of the wonderful memories. Take care of you, Kim
Connie Larson Welter says
Dear Tena and the the entire Conver family, please accept my deepest sympathies. Maxine was such a warm, welcoming and genuine person, I know you will miss her beyond words. I’ve known Maxine for most of my life and I never remember seeing her without that beautiful smile, a kind word and that twinkle in her eye that you mentioned. She was one of those special people who don’t come along often. She made the world a better place and she will be missed.
Denise DeWolf Martin says
What a beautiful lady! Maxine was a lifelong friend to our family and our mother Betty Mae DeWolf. She was a beautiful gracious women and she and Earl helped me to get my first job. I worked for Maxine helping her do her bookkeeping and later Earl helped me get a job at Montana Power. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a delight, one of the best. My condolences to all of the family. We lost 3 of mom’s dearest friend this week.
Debbie (Card) Morrison says
Mitzi I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. What a wonderful lady! My sympathies to all of your family.
michael spurzem says
Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Barry and Joan. She lived a long and wonderful life. I remember dropping you off at that beautiful Victorian home when we returned from EMC one time, Barry. I am glad she was able to live in the home she loved for so many years. May she rest in peace.
Valerie R. says
My deepest condolences…many yrs. ago when we lived in Montana, I met both of your lovely parents, Maxine and Earl at church. What a sweet couple and so devoted to each other, and I will never forget their kindness and upbeat personalities. Just spoke of your pretty mom the other day so you know after being away from her for many years, she left a big impression on me and others. Treasure your many beautiful memories and glad that you got to have her in your lives for so many years. My deepest sympathy to you all. Valerie Raisch
Dawn DeWolf says
I am saddened to hear of Maxine’s passing and express my deepest sympathy to the entire Conver family. Our families were connected in so many ways through the years and I have many fond memories of your mom. My mother, Betty Mae DeWolf , and Maxine called each other every day when mom could not easily leave her house. I know it was not only their deep friendship that was a comfort, this daily check- in brightened their day. Your mom truly was a lovely woman, who was always positive and gracious. The world has lost a beautiful person, but she will never be forgotten.
Carol Campbell Zaharko says
My sincere condolences to the family. I have such fond memories of New Years Eves at the Convers, the Montana Power Company picnics, and other get-togethers. My thoughts, and I know mom’s thoughts, are with you.
Dennis and JeNae Lay says
Dennis and JeNae Lay
Barry, We are saddened to hear of your Mothers passing. She was a kind and good person and always made a person feel very welcomed in her home.
Joyce Armold says
My heart goes out to all of you as I know how much you all loved your mom, gram etc…..how could you not? She left me with a lot of happy memories! We did a lot of giggling and also had some serious discussions that I can cherish. I especially loved to hear her stories of her childhood and her love of Earl. I used to read Dennis the Menace to her and even called the paper when they took it out! The comics were our favorite. To sum it up, I loved her. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.