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E. Maxine Stienbarger, age 83, of Mendon, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 21, 2015. She was born in LaGrange, IN on June 17, 1931 the oldest of five children born to Garlan R. and Reva (Haney) Gose. Maxine was a 1949 graduate of Mendon High School. She was married to Wayne L. Stienbarger on Jan. 8, 1950 in Wolcottville, IN. They resided in Texas and Indiana before returning to Mendon where they were co-owners of Portage Creek Farms for over 50 years. She was a farm wife and bookkeeper and enjoyed needlework in her spare time, winning many ribbons at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. She was the family genealogist, loved to travel, and was a member of several bowling leagues. Maxine helped many people and was a supporter of Boys Town, Hospice, and Veterans programs. Maxine will be missed as the matriarch of the family. She was kind and caring. It is a comfort to know she is with the Lord and reunited with family members who have gone before.
Maxine is survived by two children, Pam (Tom) Kline of Mendon, and Randy Stienbarger of Three Rivers; four grandchildren, Carrie Bartholomew, Brad McKenzie, Scott Stienbarger, and Jessica (John) Stratton all of Mendon; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Ethylene (John) Miller of Vicksburg; two brothers, Den (Marsha) Gose and Ken (Janice) Gose both of Grand Junction, CO; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne; son, Bradley; grandson, Ethan; and brother, Dale Gose.
Due to road construction in Mendon, the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel, 305 Rock River Avenue in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday May 27, 2015 at the Faith Fellowship Church, 44 West VW Avenue, Schoolcraft with Rev, Brian Lutz officiating. Burial will be at Beard Cemetery in Leonidas Township. It is suggested that memorials be directed to either Faith Fellowship Church, or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements were by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
