Maxine Morehouse died in Helena on January 2, 2019 of complications related to dementia. She was 83.
The way that so many people describe Maxine is that she was a classy lady. Her good nature, positive attitude, and constant smile served her well throughout her life. In high school her class voted her “Best Personality and Most Popular”—if such elections were held later in life she would have been the constant incumbent.
Born to Jim and Margie Ashton on June 15, 1935, Maxine grew up on a farm outside of Harlem. She had a younger sister, Shirley, and a younger brother, Jim, as well as a large extended family with many cousins who all called her “Tootsie” as a kid. Her first name was actually Loretta, which she hated, so from the time she went to college, everybody knew her as Maxine. Her enthusiasm for life’s activities and friendships was obvious from her involvement in everything in high school: student council, band, choir, cheerleading, student newspaper, FHA, and on and on.
She earned an Associate’s degree in elementary teacher preparation in June, 1955, from what was then known as Northern Montana College in Havre. At Northern, she also met Warren Morehouse, and she and Warren married in the summer of 1955. They were together almost 53 years before his death from cancer in 2008.
Maxine taught first and second grade in Saco and East Glacier until their first son, Mark, was born in 1960. The family moved to Absarokee when Warren got a job as a school principal, and second son Steve came along in 1962. The family moved to Helena in 1966, where Warren spent a career as a school principal and as the county superintendent of public instruction.
Maxine raised their 2 boys and did some occasional substitute teaching until 1970, when she became the bookkeeper for the newly-opened Capital Sporting Goods store. What started out as a temporary, part-time position became a career of 20-plus years managing the store’s office. She always wanted to finish her degree, however, and she went back to Carroll College to earn her Bachelor’s degree in business in 1991.
The Morehouse family lived a fun, adventurous life. Snow skiing and camping were essential. They had a cabin at Bridger Bowl, where for 27 years they went skiing during every weekend and school vacation from December through Easter. Even when they no longer had their ski cabin, Maxine and Warren continued to ski regularly, taking trips with family and friends throughout the Rockies, New England, and once to Val d’Isere, France. For many summers they went with groups of friends to the area’s lakes and rivers to camp, boat, water-ski, and sit around the campfire. In the late 70s, Warren and Maxine swapped their camper for a cabin at Canyon Ferry, which became their home during the summer months.
Socializing with family and friends was a constant activity with Maxine and Warren. You could always count on them to show up at every party and reunion. They would use practically any excuse to turn an every-day event into a celebration; their cabins hosted a steady stream of visitors.
The Morehouses loved to travel. They would take road trips around the western United States when the boys were young. Once unencumbered by children, they went to Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean. As Mark and Steve started their own families on opposite coasts of the country, Maxine and Warren traveled frequently to visit their grandchildren in Oregon, Washington, and Virginia. Snow skiing trips continued to be highlights—at the age of 81, Maxine was still skiing with her grandchildren.
Sadly, Maxine began to suffer from dementia in the last few years of her life. Her family and friends watched with heartbreak as her independence and confidence became victim of uncertainty and confusion. Ultimately, her mind forgot how to take care of herself, and she passed from this earth on January 2. Being peak ski season, certainly she and Warren are together again, skiing boot-top powder on heaven’s best slopes.
Maxine is survived by her son Mark, his wife Kathy, and their children Max (named after Maxine), Grace, and Sean; son Steve and his wife Jody, and their children Aylish, Tegan, and Rowyn; sister Shirley, her 2 sons and 2 grandsons; brother Jim, his wife Jane, and their 2 daughters; as well as many cousins, in-laws, and their families. Her parents and her husband of 52 years, Warren, preceded her in death.
Maxine’s children and grandchildren invite all who knew and loved Maxine to celebrate her life at a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12th at Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 South Oakes Street. Burial will follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery, 3700 N Montana Ave. A reception will follow the burial at Red Fox Restaurant (Fox Ridge Gold Course), 4050 Fox Ridge Dr. in Helena. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Maxine’s name are suggested to Coats for Kids Program c/o Helena Exchange Club, PO Box 1054, Helena, MT 59624 or to the Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Maxine.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 12, 2019
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S. Oakes St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the service
Saturday January 12, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the graveside service
Saturday January 12, 2019
Red Fox Restaurant (Fox Ridge Golf Course)
4050 Fox Ridge Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 12, 2019
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S. Oakes St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the service
Saturday January 12, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the graveside service
Saturday January 12, 2019
Red Fox Restaurant (Fox Ridge Golf Course)
4050 Fox Ridge Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
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William D Huggins says
Mark and Family,
My deepest sympathies to you on the passing of your wonderful mother. I have fond memories of our parents visiting us for Plebe-Parent Weekend in 1980!! She will be dearly missed but so fondly remembered. I am certain that your mother is in Heaven, reunited with your father, smiling down on their much cherished Montana, all of their loved ones, and especially all of their precious grandchildren. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Dave Huggins
Kathy & Tom Miller says
Mark, Steve, and families,
So sorry to hear of your dear Mother’s death. We have so many great memories of Maxine and Warren and how they enriched our lives as well as everyone they met. Maxine always had a smile and positive comments about life. She was a beautiful lady…..inside and out. Both were wonderful people who will be missed by many friends. Our prayers and love are with each of you at this sad time.
Laurie Volesky-Kops says
I’m so sorry to hear of Maxine’s passing. There were few, if any, women who could outclass Maxine…she was the epitome of elegance, kindness, compassion and wonderful humor. Maxine always offered a shoulder to cry on, a heart as big as Montana, and so much joy. The world is going to miss her energy and love. I know she is resting in peace.
AnnieB says
Please accept my condolences for your loss, may the God of all comfort, comfort you during this time. (Matthew 5:4)
Karen Hamilton says
We have wonderful memories of Maxine and Warren and are grateful we had the opportunity to know them. Our wonderful “Montana Youth Ski Group” trips were the best. Maxine and Warren being excellent skiers were always very kind to us and it was a pleasure to follow either one of them down the hill, always encouraging us. Maxine also made fabulous appetizers for our Happy Hours. Mark, Steve and families, even though we have never met you, we feel like we know you well because of the wonderful stories that Maxine and Warren shared. What wonderful parents you had and they are missed by all who knew them. Steve and Karen Hamilton
Ann Marie Tryon says
Mark & Steve
You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was an incredible lady with such charisma. She warmed any room with her smile and laughter. I have such wonderful memories and I hope your family memories bring you comfort in this difficult time.
The Campbell's says
Steve, Mark and all the family,
Our sincere condolences with the loss of Maxine. As a middle schooler at CRA in Helena, Steve invited me to his home after school early in our 7th grade year where I first met Maxine, a super mom with a heart of gold with an understated elegance. Maxine welcomed us and provided Steve and I with pudding and potato chips ~ wow, what a treat and a little slice of nirvana from a such a “cool” Mom! Over the years as the Lunch Bunch embarked on decades of friendship and adventures, both Maxine and Warren supported Steve and the rest of us with great conversations, outings at the Lake, and a few million snacks. Given my father is also housed at Touchmark in Helena, I was able to recently see Maxine in October of 2018 and had a brief conversation and noticed a familiar, yet distant, twinkle in her eye…..we will always have pudding.
As Maxine joins Warren in God’s loving care, our fond memories and sympathy envelopes the Morehouse Family.
The Campbell’s ~ Sharilyn, Ambria, Maya, & Glen.
Jody Warfield says
Mark and Kathy, I will always treasure the opportunities you gave me to spend time with Maxine on our ski trips. Her zest for life and determination to make the most of every moment she had with her family will always be an inspiration to me.
Darrell and Judy Rud says
Judy and I are saddened by the news of the passing of this very special lady! In our years in Helena, we have enjoyed visiting with Maxine, attending Capital Band Concerts with her in the summer and several other priceless opportunities!
Thoughts and prayers are extended to her family and friends!
A memorial in her honor is being sent to “Coats for Kids”!
Rest in Peace, Maxine!
Shirley Fessell says
I am one of the Bierly family of many cousins in Indiana. There was lots of anticipation and excitement when our Ashton Montana relatives visited us, not only when I was young, but all subsequent visits. Maxine, Shirley and Jim brought video equipment and taped our mom, their Aunt Mary, for about two hours, asking her lots of questions about her early life growing up with their dad, and memories of the past. Mom was in her glory and loved the conversation. Copies were shared of the video with our family. A huge kindness and very appreciated. Maxine will be missed. A kind and gracious lady, and caring cousin. May she rest in peace. God bless Mark, Steve, Shirley, Jim and all their families. Shirley Bierly Fessell and my husband Nick Fessell
Susie Fergerson Wong says
Mark
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What wonderful people both your parents were!
May peace be with you all.
Margie Slaymaker Clausen says
My deepest sympathy to Maxine’s family. Mrs. Morehouse was my first grade teacher in 1955 at Saco. I always thought she was so beautiful and such a caring person. All these years I have had wonderful memories of her.