Maxine L. Christensen, our dear Mother, went home to be with our Lord on January 20th, 2017 at Regency Canyon Lakes Restorative Care. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She had a special way of connecting with people, in her sweet, gentle way. Mom was born on July 16, 1923 being the 11th and last child born to Almon and Blanche Abbott. She was born in Whitman, Nebraska in the living quarters behind the restaurant that was owned and operated by her parents. Her four older brothers were hoping for another brother and so when this Baby Maxine arrived, they nicknamed her "Pete", a name that she went by for a good, many years. As a young woman, she was active in school and social events; acting in school plays, cheerleading, playing trombone in the band, playing the piano for dances and she loved ice skating on the frozen nearby lake. She graduated from Whitman High in 1940. Maxine and John Christensen were married on December 18, 1940. They moved to Kennewick, Washington in 1944. They bought a place with acreage and farmed for a few years. In 1950, they sold this place and moved in town to their home on West Albany Street. In 1964, they bought a small farm in South Kennewick. Maxine was hired by the school district and cooked at Fruitland Elementary and Kennewick Senior High. She worked at the Pasco Steak House in the mid 50's and in 1963 bought her own restaurant. "Maxine's" Restaurant was a popular place on Lewis Street, featuring her famous "Blue Plate" special. She operated this establishment until 1966. Her last place of employment was with Roy's Chuckwagon and she worked there for 23 years, until her retirement in 1988. Maxine was a faithful member of St Paul's Episcopal Church, serving on the board and the alter guild. Maxine also belonged to the Althea Rebekah Lodge for fifty years, receiving the highest lodge honor - The Degree of Chivalry. A beautiful broach represents this degree with the inscription: for being just, merciful, honorable and brave. She was a devoted Mariner baseball fan, enjoyed traveling with the Rambling Rovers and having lunch with the "Red Hats". She enjoyed singing and performing with the local musical group "Kettle Scrapers". Maxine was a tireless volunteer for many local organizations. Preceded in death by her husband, John Christensen, sons-in-law, Joe Young, Lester Foster and Jim Meigs; and grandson-in law, John Briggs. Also, her parents, all her siblings, many nieces and nephews, and just recently her dear high school friend, Lorrene Cornish, preceded her in passing. She is survived by daughters; Sandra Meigs, Janice Foster and Brenda Young, and son Jerry Christensen and daughter-in law Kay, eight grandchildren; Debra (Randy) Mettille, Jeri Lynn (Mike) Paull, Lori (Bob) Schumacher, Kesha (Herb) Roerick, Christen Meigs, Marra (Deric) Schmierer, James Meigs, John (Brianna) Young, fourteen great- grandchildren; Deena and Paul Mettille, Jason (Tonya) Huffman, Tony (Hailey) Paull, Jonathon (Iris) Paull, Andrew and SarahBeth Briggs, Alissa (Chris) Campbell, Breann (Tim) Powers, Alexis, Aiden and Izaak Schmierer, Wyatt and Benjamin Young, four great-great grandchildren; Keely and Kale Huffman, and Jacob and Carlie Paull. The family would like to give a special "thank you" to Dr. Matt Smith, and to Regency Canyon Lakes for the excellent care given to our Mother the past five years. Also, "thank you" to Hospice for their tender care these last few days. Viewing will take place at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls, 314 W. 1st Ave., Kennewick on Wednesday, January 25th, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Thursday, January 26th at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1609 W. 10th Avenue, Kennewick. A reception will follow at the church and a graveside service at 1:00 p.m., at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 10th and Union Street, Kennewick. If you would like to make a donation in Maxine's name, please consider donating to her beloved Church, St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The family invites you to sign their online tribute wall at www.muellersfuneral homes.com.

Published by Tri-City Herald on Jan. 24, 2017.