Maxine M. Sauvage

OBERLIN, Kan. --Maxine M. Sauvage was born July 2, 1927, on a farm north of Kanona, Kansas, to Rudolph J. and Emma (Fiala) Mrstik. She passed away Tuesday (Dec. 9, 2014) at her home in Oberlin, Kansas, at the age of 87.

Maxine spent her early years on the family farm near Kanona, where she attended school through the eighth grade. Her family then moved to Oberlin, and she attended Decatur Community High School, graduating with the Class of 1945. During high school and up until her marriage, Maxine worked at Addleman's Drug Store.

On March 21, 1948, Maxine was united in marriage to Keith Sauvage in Oberlin, where they lived all of their married life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was dedicated to caring for her family.

Maxine took great pride in her family and cherished the times spent together, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She began a tradition of giving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren personalized Christmas ornaments every year and did so for many decades. She always kept the candy bowl full for them also.

Maxine enjoyed collecting cookbooks and anything related to sunflowers, working crossword puzzles, and visiting her friends each Friday at the Beauty Boutique. She was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Rebekah Lodge.

Survivors include her three sons, William W. Sauvage, of Oberlin, John Sauvage and wife Donna, of Selden, and Michael Sauvage and wife Cheryl, of Oberlin; two daughters, Trudy Stockham, of Norton, and Joan McKenna and husband Mike, of Jennings; 13 grandchildren, Nikole (Nathan) DeWitt, Amanda (Lyle) Davidson, Heith Sauvage, Danielle (Michael) Schiltz, Shannon (Dan) Black, Tiffanee (Chad) Shoemaker, Jessica (Cody) Salem, Rebecca (Brock) Peterson, Amy McKenna (fiancé Austin Relph), Brett (Tracey) McKenna, Justin (Nicole) Sauvage, Kayla (Aaron) Woods, Tyler (Lindsey) Sauvage; 25 great-grandchildren, Ethan and Macy DeWitt, Spencer and Shelby Davidson, Bodie, Colten and Bella Sauvage, Kain Priess, Londyn and Kash Schiltz, Danika and Keithly Black, Austin and Kinadee Shoemaker, Sydney Nash, Jackson Sauvage, Hayden Salem, Will and Henry Peterson, Tate McKenna, Breckin, Talan and Josie Sauvage, and Kambrey and Kenna Woods, in addition to twins on the way.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith Sauvage, on Oct. 3, 2009; son-in-law, Norman Stockham; and sister, Virginia Carey.

Funeral Services were held Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, with the Rev. James Jennings officiating. Burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her memory to the Decatur County Amusement Authority and sent to Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749. Visit www.paulsfh.com to leave condolences for the family.