SEYMOUR
Maxine Ruth Burton, 81, of Seymour passed away recently after a long and tough fight with cancer.
Maxine was many things — daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother are what people knew she excelled at on a daily basis. What were less known but equally famous were dragster winner, boat rower, crappy league bowler, teacher of southern Ohio English standards, sex queen of the Nile, card shark, best meatloaf maker, bon vivant, world traveler, maker of ribbon roses, collector of ugly green glass. The list is endless.
Maxine does not want to be remembered for the horrible disease that that took her life but for all the things she enjoyed with her friends and family. Many stories have been told of her love for winning at cards while enjoying a good drink and the joy and embrace of friends and family. The laughing after hearing the same story for more than 60 years that will be funny again tomorrow, even when told to the same group.
Born to the loving parents of Raymond and Leona Evans near Portsmouth, Ohio, she had five sisters and three brothers, Janet, Marilyn, Phyllis, Jenny, Rosie, Carl, Fred and Ronnie. She loved each of them dearly and loved spending as much time as possible with each of them as well as all of her nieces and nephews.
Maxine will always be remembered as someone who loved to dance. She shared many great times at the Walton, Pond Creek or Fort Vallonia enjoying the company and laughter of her family and friends. The first time at the Walton is where she met Max Burton on a blind date. They married in 1966 and never looked back. They had two children, Richard and Robert, who Maxine taught the importance of education and family. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren, Elliot, Oliver, Jeff and Leona. She loved attending their theater productions, concerts, basketball games or just enjoying their conversations.
Both Max and Maxine loved their families and friends and spending their time traveling. Their travels took them across America, Europe and Argentina. Each trip was an adventure and an opportunity for their renewed friendship and love to grow.
Maxine will be fondly remembered by her family and friends. There will be a gathering from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Elks Club in Seymour. Please come and enjoy a drink and the company of family and friends. For those of you who cannot attend, please raise a cup and make a toast to a wonderful and fantastic woman who will be truly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local hospice group. Hospice was a great help to Max and Maxine during the last few months, and their work should be rewarded so that others will have the same opportunity.