Dorothy Maxwell

Dorothy Marguerite Maxwell, Lawrence, died peacefully May 30, 2021, at the age of 98 years and 9 months. She was born August 28, 1922, the daughter of Charles L. Henry and Julia R. Fletcher Henry, at their home in Sterling, Kansas.

Dorothy attended school in Sterling, graduating from Sterling High School in 1940. She attended Sterling College and then transferred to the University of Kansas where she graduated in 1944.

After taking the Civil Service exam, she was rated a Clerk-Typist II and worked in the State Capitol in the Budget Dept. During this time, she met the soon-to-be love of her life while riding on a bus. The next day this same young man, Ernie Maxwell, was at an ecumenical youth meeting where the two were introduced. Dorothy and Ernie were married October 16, 1945, at First United Methodist Church, Lawrence, Kansas. They made their home in Topeka, Kansas.

From 1951 – 1965, Dorothy and Ernie lived in Phoenix Arizona. During that time, children Janet and Robert were born, and Dorothy was a stay-at-home Mom. She was active in Central United Methodist Church and all the children's activities.

In 1965, they returned to Topeka with Ernie's employment and lived there until his retirement. They were active members of First United Methodist Church.

In 1978, they moved to Lawrence, Kansas to enjoy retirement. Sadly, Ernie died in 1983, and soon thereafter Dorothy returned to work. She worked for 9 years as a clerk-typist at the Museum of Invertebrate Paleontology at the University of Kansas. She typed labels for fossils and enjoyed her interactions with college students. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Lawrence.

In 2003, Dorothy moved to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, in an apartment for 12 years and on the Health Care floor for 6 years. She loved her community of friends and the wonderful Manor staff.

Dorothy loved life. She loved all her family including her cousins. She loved to read and eat an apple. She loved to travel. She loved to play Scrabble, Bingo and Jeopardy – solving her daily Jeopardy calendar. She loved to sew, quilt, grow flowers, play the piano, write, and bake, especially chocolate cake and pie. She participated in worship and Sunday School, sang in church choirs, played in the handbell choir, was involved in local and District United Methodist Women, and No Name Club. She was an avid KU fan. And she was very excited to become a great-grandmother for the first time in April 2021.

Dorothy is survived by daughter Janet Maxwell (Rick Saylor) and son Robert Maxwell (Joan); grandchildren Adam Maxwell; and Hannah Bickham (CJ); and great-grandchild Teagan Bickham; nephew Bill Avery (Carol); and all her beloved cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Paul Henry and sister Louise Avery; and her husband for 37 years of marriage, Ernie Maxwell.

Memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church, Lawrence, KS and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

Memorial Service June 15, 10:30am, First UMC, 946 Vermont in Lawrence, Inurnment, 2pm, Oak Hill Cemetery.

For more information or to post an online condolence visit warrenmcelwain.com