Maxine Kirk Starnes

Maxine Kirk Starnes, age 79 of Springfield, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at the Oakwood Village Senior Living facility. She was born October 23, 1941 in Potts Camp, Mississippi.

Maxine spent her youth growing up in Hickory Flat, Mississippi and helping her family work their farm and garden. Particular crops included cotton, corn and beans. She graduated from Hickory Flat High School where she participated in sports and particularly enjoyed basketball. She also enjoyed keeping up with some of her classmates through the years. One of the highlights was being on the reunion committee for their all-class reunion many years ago.

Following high school, she met and married her husband Wayne and they were married for 57 years. Throughout their years together, they enjoyed traveling, to include visits to out-of-town family and friends as well as going to auctions and flea markets. Maxine and Wayne raised their family in Memphis, Tennessee and moved to Ohio to continue their professional careers as civil service federal employees, retiring from the Defense Supply Center in Columbus, Ohio. They spent their retirement years in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and Olive Branch, Mississippi before moving back to the Fairborn, Ohio area to be closer to their daughters.

Maxine's love for her family sustained her throughout life. She held a special place in her heart for her sister, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was affectionately called "Mamaw Mac" by the great-grandchildren, which she loved hearing. She enjoyed spending time and playing games with them when she could. Shopkins Bingo, Candyland and Sorry were among her favorites. Spending time with her daughters was also a favorite pastime of Maxine's. She loved going out for lunch (catfish from Cracker Barrel a favorite!) and getting her hair and nails done. Throughout her life she always took pride in how she looked and enjoyed having nice things.

During the last year of her life, Maxine resided in the assisted living area of Oakwood Village Senior Living facility in Springfield, Ohio. She enjoyed her apartment there and appreciated the staff that helped take care of some of her needs.

Maxine will be greatly missed by all. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Starnes; parents, Hogan and Frances (Inez) Kirk; nephew, Ronnie Blackburn; great-grandson, Landon Zimmerman; and great-granddaughter, Kendra Johnson. Maxine is survived by her loving children, oldest daughter and son-in-law, Kathy & Mike Ranft; youngest daughter and son-in-law, Paula Johnson and Kenneth Eades; sister Bobbie (Ray) Blackburn; grandson, Joshua Johnson; granddaughters, Katie (Jason) Cordle and Kelsey Zimmerman; 10 great-grandchildren as well as numerous other extended family members and a couple of her friends she held dear.

There will be no viewing/visitation at this time. A graveside committal of ashes service will be held in the Spring of 2021 at Lawrence Memorial Park in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and will be open to all family and friends who would like to attend. Further details will be forthcoming once the specific date has been determined.

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