Maxine Lewis 1925-2025
Thelma “Maxine” Lewis, 99, of Holton, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Onaga Community Hospital in Onaga.
She was born Nov. 26, 1925, in Circleville, the daughter of Harry Ross Wilkerson and Alice Irene Stephenson.
Maxine attended Circleville Grade school and graduated as valedictorian with the class of 1943 at Circleville High School. She worked at the Santa Fe offices for a short time, and later retired from the Denison State Bank after 21 years. Later, she would help at Bell Graphics. After retirement, Maxine enjoyed gardening, quilting and raising turkeys and quail.
She was a member of the Circleville Christian Church, often helping with Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday school. She was a member of the Menninger Bible Class and the Sunflower Neighborhood Club. She was a founding charter member of the board of directors for the Jackson County Nursing Home.
Maxine married Wendal Clarence Arnold on Nov. 10, 1946, in Holton. They later divorced. She married Robert Lee Lewis on May 9, 1964, in Circleville. He preceded her in death on March 24, 2000, after 35 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by three sons, Randy J. Arnold, Ricky J. Arnold and Robert D. Arnold; a grandson, Randy Robert Arnold; and two great-grandchildren, Aidan Crowson and Afton Burdick.
Survivors include a son, Merlin L. Arnold (Judy) of Holton; two daughters-in-law, Jeannie Arnold of Circleville and Virginia Stojakovic (Marv) of Blackwell, Okla.; a sister, Karen Norman of Overland Park; a brother, Stephen L. “Steve” Wilkerson (Leota) of Circleville; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and a very close friend, Cheri Karns.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 28 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Circleville Christian Church, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
