Minnie Maxwell

Minnie Harriet Maxwell, age 102, of Washington, Iowa died Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the Halcyon House in Washington following a short illness. Celebration of life services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Washington with Rev. Julie Poulsen officiating. General calling hours will be held from noon until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Jones Eden Funeral Home and the family will receive from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. Memorials have been established for the Halcyon House Good Samaritan Fund, the United Methodist Church Elevator Fund or the Shriner’s Childrens Hospital. Online condolences may be sent for Minnie’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. Minnie was born October 26, 1907 in Jasper County, Iowa the daughter of John B. and Minnie (Shearer) Kimberley. She attended country schools in Jasper County and graduated from Maxwell High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. On August 2, 1930, Minnie was united in marriage to Donald Maxwell in Jasper County, Iowa. Minnie taught country school and also taught in the Waterloo Public Schools for eight years. She has resided in Washington since 1935. Minnie was a member of the United Methodist Church, Fortnightly, Daughters of the Nile, and the Independent Club. In her church she served as the Chairperson of the Official Board Lay Leader and member of the Annual Conference. She was elected to “Who’s Who in American Religion” in 1972. She was President of the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) for two terms, Recording Secretary of the Conference WSCS for four years, Delegate to the General Assembly of the WSCS in Portland, Oregon. Minnie was a member of Fortnightly Club for over 60 years serving as President in 1971 and as Parliamentarian for many years. She was selected Fortnightly Mother of the Year in 1971 and Iowa State Merit Mother. Minnie was a member of the Halcyon House Management Board and a volunteer since its inception. For years she had, “Story Hour with Minnie” every Friday afternoon. She received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding volunteer in the State of Iowa. She is survived by two grandsons Alan Maxwell and wife Ritchie of Little Rock, Arkansas; Eric Maxwell of Conway, Arkansas; five great granddaughters: Holly, Hannah, Emily, Jessica and Tara of Little Rock, Arkansas; daughter-in-law Polly Maxwell Barker of Conway, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1969, son Richard in 1974, three sisters and five brothers.

Minnie Maxwell

October 26, 1907 - October 10, 2010