In loving memory of Maxine Crank, a beloved matriarch, she was, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family on July 3, 2023. She was a remarkable soul who lived a fulfilling life and touched the hearts of all who knew her. Maxine was born June 10, 1931, to Grover and Katharina Griffith in Norton, MO.
Maxine had so much love to share that she knew she wanted a large family thus marrying her love Douglas Crank on August 5, 1947. Once married Maxine and Douglas together had 4 Children, Doug Jr., Don (Trudi), Derrick (Wanda), Deanna(Pat)Inman, grandchildren Tony, Faron(Gerri), Rachel, Lauren (Will)Maples, Justin(Stephanie), Jesse(Ali), Dustin, Lisa(Damien)Hinck. 16 Great Grandchildren, Sydney, Kylie, Kimberly, Nicholi, Madeline Laird, Jase Hollenbeck, Connor Henderson, Lowery and Sophie Maples, Jase, Baylor, Charlotte, Harper, and Eva, Ashford, Remi Hinck. 5 Great, Great Grandchildren Charlotte June, Isaiah, Kyree, Kyndrix, and Natalia. Leaving this earth before her, was her husband Douglas, Daughter-in-law Connie, 5 brothers, and 3 sisters, and many other friends and family members who are now rejoicing at being reunited with Maxine once again. While she has left us here, her strength remains in those who live on through her memory.
Maxine remains unwaveringly devoted not only to her family but to her faith as well. A woman of faith, Maxine found solace and strength in her spiritual beliefs. Her unwavering trust in God sustained her through life’s challenges and inspired those around her to seek God in their own lives.
Maxine held the core values of love, compassion, and faithfulness close to her heart, radiating warmth throughout her existence. She found a space to do so as a CNA, a passion she held close to her heart. Her presence and kindness brought comfort and joy to all the patients and family members she worked with.
Beyond her dedication to family, faith, and Work, Maxine was passionate about life and accepted each challenge with grace and lead with faith. As a young mother Maxine worked at the International Shoe Factory in Sweet Springs. When she and her family moved to Sedalia she took that opportunity to become part of her community and dedicated her time to becoming President of the American Legion Auxillary, a den mother for the Boy Scouts, and became a local paper delivery woman for the Sedalia Democrat. Never wanting to lead a life of mediocrity Maxine lived by the phrase “We’re in it to Win it!” a phrase she helped coin as a lead organizer of an event that merged her love for her faith and her second love of racing. She led life by this motto as one of the first women to race in the powderpuff derbies. Rather than sit on the sidelines and watch her husband race, Maxine would also partake in racing herself. She knew that anything they could do, she could do better.
Maxine had a zest for life, and her infectious laughter and tenacious spirit will forever be remembered by those she encountered. Maxine Crank leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her beloved family, who are comforted knowing that she now rests in eternal peace. While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual, let us celebrate Maxine’s remarkable life and carry forward her legacy of familial devotion and unwavering faith in God. A memorial service to honor Maxine Crank’s life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Concordia with Pastors Randy Shannon and Leigh Hartley officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery at Sweet Springs. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Show-Me Christian Youth Home or Sweet Springs First Christian Church in Maxine’s memory. Friends may sign an online guestbook at www.campbell-lewis.com May Maxine’s soul find eternal rest, and may her cherished memories continue to inspire us all.