Marjorie 'Maxine' Mothes

Marjorie Maxine Mothes, known to those that knew and loved her as Maxine, age 93, died peacefully July 27, 2013, at her residence of Balfour Assisted Living in Louisville, Colo. Maxine was born July 29, 1919, in Carlyle, Ill., to Ed and Opal Hanon-Hubbell of Jetmore, Kan. She attended Public School of Hodgeman County and graduated 8th grade, 1933, in a class of 87 students; graduated Hodgeman County High School, 1937, in a class of 34. Her best friend growing up was Jean Etta Koontz with whom she enjoyed playing tennis, and the violin. In 1940, Maxine married Theodore "Ted" Berger, Jr. of Jetmore. Mr. Berger was a farmer and owned an earth-moving and trucking business with Maxine working as office manager and bookkeeper. Their first child, Gary Dee, died two days after birth, 1942. They were blessed with three children, Dana, Patrick and Hal Berger. Ted Berger predeceased Maxine in 1956. She continued raising their children, soon moving her family to Dodge City, Kan. Her second marriage was to Irvin Mothes, 1967. They moved to Rogers, Ark., and enjoyed their retirement for 40 years, until 2007 when Irvin passed. Maxine was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Churches in the communities in which she resided, and organist of the Jetmore and Rogers churches. Maxine enjoyed visits from family. She loved cookbooks and her favorite activity was cooking, which she did well. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge, painting, bird-watching and wood-carving. Maxine is survived by son, Patrick (Shirley) Berger of Marianna, Fla. Also, she will be missed by her sisters, Thelma Stegman and Elizabeth Webster. Her grandchildren of Dana: Hailey Helm Wiseman and Dino Helm, both in Colorado, and Aaron (Jennifer) Helm; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Megan in Texas, all will cherish their fond memories of their Grandma and Great-Granny. Grandchildren of Hal (Joanne): Lindsey Berger (Eric) Watson in Texas; Brian Berger of Kansas; and daughter-in-law, Joanne (Hanlon) Berger Colglazier, in Kansas, they all will truly miss her. Maxine has nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends who will also mourn her passing. Last but not least, is her loving companion of many years, her dog, Freckles. Preceding Maxine in death was her beloved sons, Gary Dee (1942) and Hal David Berger (2003); her dearest daughter, Dana Berger (2010); her dear grandson, Shane Helm (1967); her two husbands; her parents; brothers, Galen and Dwayne, and countless family members, friends, and dogs. As she told us prior to her death, she was looking forward to her reunion with all the friends and loved ones that are waiting for her in Heaven. That should be one grand party, and if there is a big kitchen in Heaven, we are sure she will be happily cooking up a fine feast for all. As a family, we would like to thank Hailey for all she did for her Grandma. It was wonderful that you were there for her. Also we would like to thank everyone at the Balfour Assisted Living in Louisville, Colo. Your facility, your employees, your care, everything was all we hoped for our Mother /Grandmother Maxine. She felt she was home there. Thank you!