Maxine Kimmey

After 98 years of an earthly life well-lived, one defined by faith, grace and love – along with a bit of feistiness too – our mother, grandmother, and GiGi went home to the arms of Jesus on January 15, 2025.

Born December 30, 1926 in Akron, Ohio, mom came to Tucson when husband Bill enrolled at the University of Arizona in 1953. They immediately fell in love with our beautiful Sonoran desert, the mountains, and a lack of snow and ice.

Maxine attended Butler where she earned her Bachelor’s in 1949. She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority & chosen for the ’48-’49 Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. She returned to school to complete her Masters in Education at the UofA. 

Mom excelled at several job positions and other endeavors. She began her “most rewarding” journey as teacher of first-third graders at Van Buskirk, White, and Reynolds Elementary schools starting in 1966 and taught for 11 years. After retiring from teaching, Mom worked at Palo Verde H.S. as a Hall Monitor where she was given a trophy as “Class Mom” from adoring students. She later became the owner of a video game room, and started Shenanigrams, a singing telegram business for which Bill penned the odes for birthdays, anniversaries, and other meaningful, and not-so-much, celebrations.

Mom loved sports and she was a faithful and passionate Wildcat fan. She also always insisted on watching any telecasts of Butler Bulldog basketball games that might be on. 

Maxine is predeceased by her loving husband, Bill (2006) and survived by children, son Bill, and daughters Kelly and Kathy (Tim); grandchildren, Aubrey (Eleon), Ashley (Alex), Madison (Patrick), Sarah (Rob) and Daniel (Ashley); 16 great-grandbabies; foster-sons Wayne and Marc; nephew Mike and niece Mary Ellen. In addition, mom and dad “fostered” many friends of her children. Their door was always open and their small house was regularly occupied with those who might need something to eat, a little rest, maybe some guidance, or just a friendly atmosphere surrounded by lots of love. They were all quickly considered family, and remain so to this day.

Of course we are missing her physical presence right now, but more so we are rejoicing for her reunion with husband Bill, many other friends and loved ones…and most of all for her arrival to the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For those who have NOT put their faith in Christ… this life here on earth is the best it will ever get.

For those who HAVE put their faith in Jesus… This life here on earth is the worst it will ever get!

- Dane Ortland

Our sweet mother has had her “worst” life come to an end – and has now begun her best one. 

A memorial will be held at Christ Community Church on Saturday February 22 @ 9:30am in the Oasis Bldg. Feel free to wear your Wildcat Red & Blue.

In lieu of flowers, Maxine asked for donations to be made to the Gospel Rescue Mission in Tucson.