Maxine Lois Cowdin

Heaven gained an angel when Maxine Lois Cowdin, Dwight, was called home to the Lord, Nov. 12, 2024. At 99 years of age, Maxine experienced many memorable moments in life that most of us only get to read about. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Maxine was born June 22, 1925, one of eight children to Alvina and John Elijah Arnett of Dwight. Like so many others, her family struggled as she grew up during the Great Depression. Her dad and mom worked hard to provide for their family but she said she never remembered going hungry.

She married Dale Cowdin, August 28, 1942 at the age of 17 at the Alma Courthouse. Early in the marriage, Dale was drafted into the Army in 1943 when she was pregnant with her first son, Dennis. Dale soon left to serve overseas in WWII and she raised Dennie while living with her in-laws. After Dale returned from war, they together raised six children, Dennis, Larry, Margaret, Debbie, Randy and Rodney and these were her “best and happiest times.” 

In 1947, Dale bought the Standard station in Dwight. Maxine helped him at the station as well as managing her “full-time job raising our kids”. They later expanded their business and opened Cowdin Service, providing full service and repair, serving the Dwight community for many years until they sold it upon retirement. Maxine also served her community as Dwight city clerk, after her kids were grown, a job she enjoyed and took pride in for many years.

For those who knew Maxine, they knew her family was her world. She wrote in her memoir, “I remember so much of my childhood. I had the best mother, and I just hope my kids will remember me like I do her.” Maxine adored her grandchildren and going to Grandpa and Grandma’s house was always special. Many holidays were spent at their home with a house full of kids and grandkids, and of course, lots of great food.

One of the many ways Maxine expressed her love for her family was through her cooking. She hosted Sunday lunches at her house well into her 90’s and was still making her from-scratch German chocolate birthday cakes at the age of 98.

Those who passed before her and welcome her home are her infant son, Ronnie; husband, Dale; son, Dennis; and daughter Debbie.

Family who will continue to miss her include daughter-in-law, Nancy Cowdin of New Jersey; Larry Cowdin and wife, Linda of Manhattan; Margaret Shifflett and husband, Billy, of Wichita; Randy and wife, Debra of Wichita; son-in-law Donald Glessner of Dwight; and son Rodney and wife, Sandi, of rural Dwight. 

Grandchildren: Pam Culin (Jim) of New Jersey; Brad (Lynn) Cowdin of New Jersey; Timothy (Amy) Shifflett, Wichita, Tammy (Bob) Berry, Manhattan; Cindy (Scott) Hillman of Rockdale, Tx; LeeAnn (Ryan) Taylor of Dwight; Cody Glessner of Dwight; Nicole and Vanessa Cowdin, Wichita; Whitney (Derrek) Blake of Olathe; Troy (Casey) Cowdin, Council Grove; Hunter (Lacy) Cowdin of Strong City; Kimberly Robb, Manhattan; Angela (Robert) Krause of Manhattan; Char Lynn Moss, Manhattan; and Rachel Lingenfelter of Manhattan. 

Great grandchildren: Jessica and Ryan Culin; Cooper, Madison and Caitlin Cowdin; Joshua and Austin Berry; Amy, Matthew, Breanna Hillman; Caden, Macelyn and Reegan Taylor; Treyton (Tamaya Hamilton) Taylor; Nick and Natalie Shifflett; Owen Glessner; Reece Blake; Riley Cowdin; Corey, Brandon and Jake Robb; Sydney, Sierra and Skylar Lingenfelter; and Allison and Dillon Krause. 

Great great grandchild: Finnley Taylor.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tues., Nov. 19 at the Dwight Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Dwight Community Church.