Dorothy M. Maxwell

Dorothy Marguerite Maxwell, Lawrence, died peacefully May 30, 2021, at the age of 98 years and 9 months. She was born August 28, 1922, the daughter of Charles L. Henry and Julia R. Fletcher Henry, at their home in Sterling, Kansas.
Dorothy attended school in Sterling, graduating from Sterling High School in 1940. She attended Sterling College and then transferred to the University of Kansas where she graduated in 1944.
After taking the Civil Service exam, she was rated a Clerk-Typist II and worked in the State Capitol in the Budget Dept. During this time, she met the soon-to-be love of her life while riding on a bus. The next day this same young man, Ernie Maxwell, was at an ecumenical youth meeting where the two were introduced. Dorothy and Ernie were married October 16, 1945, at First United Methodist Church, Lawrence, Kansas. They made their home in Topeka, Kansas.
From 1951 – 1965, Dorothy and Ernie lived in Phoenix Arizona. During that time, children Janet and Robert were born, and Dorothy was a stay-at-home Mom. She was active in Central United Methodist Church and all the children’s activities.
In 1965, they returned to Topeka with Ernie’s employment and lived there until his retirement. They were active members of First United Methodist Church.
In 1978, they moved to Lawrence, Kansas to enjoy retirement. Sadly, Ernie died in 1983, and soon thereafter Dorothy returned to work. She worked for 9 years as a clerk-typist at the Museum of Invertebrate Paleontology at the University of Kansas. She typed labels for fossils and enjoyed her interactions with college students. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Lawrence.
In 2003, Dorothy moved to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, in an apartment for 12 years and on the Health Care floor for 6 years. She loved her community of friends and the wonderful Manor staff.
Dorothy loved life. She loved all her family including her cousins. She loved to read and eat an apple. She loved to travel. She loved to play Scrabble, Bingo and Jeopardy – solving her daily Jeopardy calendar. She loved to sew, quilt, grow flowers, play the piano, write, and bake, especially chocolate cake and pie. She participated in worship and Sunday School, sang in church choirs, played in the handbell choir, was involved in local and District United Methodist Women, and No Name Club. She was an avid KU fan. And she was very excited to become a great-grandmother for the first time in April 2021.
Dorothy is survived by daughter Janet Maxwell (Rick Saylor) and son Robert Maxwell (Joan); grandchildren Adam Maxwell; and Hannah Bickham (CJ); and great-grandchild Teagan Bickham; nephew Bill Avery (Carol); and all her beloved cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Paul Henry and sister Louise Avery; and her husband for 37 years of marriage, Ernie Maxwell.
Memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church, Lawrence, KS and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th Street Lawrence, KS 66044.
Memorial Service June 15, 10:30am, First UMC, 946 Vermont in Lawrence, Inurnment, 2pm, Oak Hill Cemetery.

5 Condolences

  1. Martha Stowe on June 14, 2021 at 10:03 am

    Dorothy, or Mom, as I called her, will be remembered as the epitome of kindness, gentleness, and thoughtfulness. She was always interested in whatever project Janet and I concocted and found a way to be helpful to our efforts. And her oatmeal cookies have never been duplicated! I am grateful for such a gracious role model.



  2. Gary and Jayni Blough on June 14, 2021 at 8:37 pm

    Janet, Rick, Hannah, Cj, Teagan
    and family.
    May the Lord be with you and give you peace from within.
    May the memories of Dorothy be “imprinted” on your “hearts” and “minds.”
    Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV
    Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth the Lord has chosen you ( Dorothy) to be his treasured possession.

    Gary and Jayni



  3. Jean Truman on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 pm

    Janet and family,

    Dorothy was a dear friend of our Mom, and we enjoyed seeing her at the Manor. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Heaven gained another beautiful soul.

    The Burrows family



  4. Sharlan Graber on June 22, 2021 at 11:24 am

    To Janet and Rick and family, So sorry to read about the death of Janet’s mother. Thankful for her resurrection through our Lord Jesus the Christ! Thinking of you at this time. Former colleagues in ministry-Sharlan and Mike Graber



  5. Dawn Trent on June 23, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    Janet and Rick, Robert and Joan, and all Dorothy’s family –

    I had the pleasure of getting to know Dorothy from Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. My Mother, Millie Averitt, lived near Dorothy on the Health Care Floor.
    Dorothy was a wonderful friend! She greeted me by name whenever she saw me! I looked forward to visiting with her for a few moments in the hallways.
    Dorothy was a positive person, a ray of sunshine! She was often smiling and always pleasant. I was delighted and thankful to God that she was a friend for my Mom and for me. Dorothy was a great role model who seemed to age with grace! We were thankful to God to get to enjoy her friendship. God bless you with many happy memories of Dorothy! Dawn Trent



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