Maxine Carol Magwire was born in Cheyenne Wells, CO on Jan 5, 1936 to (Mugs) and Marjorie Magwire in the family home. She had an older sister Norma, and two younger siblings, Ron and Sue. When Maxine was five years old the family moved to Denver, CO where she attended Kindergarten at Emerson grade school. It was at that time that she fell ill to rheumatic fever. The family soon moved back to Cheyenne Wells where Maxine completed the remainder of her schooling in the Cheyenne Wells School system. Growing up Maxine helped care for Ron and Sue and also worked at the family cafe. She met the love of her life, Richard Smith, while working at the cafe and they were married on April 5, 1953 at the United Methodist Parsonage. To this union 5 children were born: Ronald, Michael, Rick, Vickie, and Jeannie.


Richard was drafted into the Army in 1954 and moved Maxine and Ron to San Francisco CA, where he served his tour of duty. Mike joined the family during this time and shortly after they moved back to Cheyenne Wells where Richard took over the family farm. Maxine and Richards family grew as they added Rick, Vickie and Jeannie. Also joining the family were Jerry and Cinda Uhland, Maxines sister Normas children. Maxine loved her life on the farm and enjoyed the farming and all the animals they raised. The kids all have fond memories of the family meals together, starting the day off with a large homemade breakfast and always concluding with everyone sitting around the table for the evening meal. Every Sunday you could count on fried chicken or a wonderful pot roast and mashed potatoes. Evening consisted of popcorn and apples and there was always homemade bread and pie.


Throughout her life, Maxine had strong family values and supported her children in all of their activities, including cub scouts, 4-H, and all of their sporting events.


Maxine and Richard raised the family on the farm until 1975 when they sold the farm and moved into town on Main Street. After moving Maxine worked at various jobs including Gambles, Gaskills, St. Joseph Hospital of the Plains, and the Phoenix Restaurant where she worked until she retired in November of 1992.


In 1993 Maxine lost Richard to cancer. She filled her remaining days enjoying her children and grandchildren. She also loved to bake (cinnamon rolls) and travel. One of her most enjoyable trips was to Alaska on her cruise with friends. She also enjoyed the time she spent with her good friends Bernadine Gebow, Vivian Petersen, Rita Holthus, Marge Carter and Henrietta Owens, just to name a few.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Mugs and Marge, sister Norma, son Jerry, brother in-law Bob and husband Richard. She is survived by children Cinda Smith of Las Vegas, Ron Smith and wife Diana of Cheyenne Wells, Mike Smith and wife Mitzi of Cheyenne Wells, Rick Smith and Chris Gradford of Highlands Ranch, Vickie Terpening and husband Mike of Katy, TX and Jeannie Smith of Cheyenne Wells, twelve grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren; brother Ron Magwire and wife Dianne of Colorado Springs, CO; sister Sue Kern of Cheyenne Wells; aunt Betty McKellips of Byers, CO; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.


Funeral services for Maxine Smith were held on Friday, January 31, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Cheyenne Wells with Rev. Dave Moorman officiating. Providing the music for the service were: Ramona Kramer, Erika Kern and Hallie Townsend. Serving as casketbearers were: Shawn Smith, Patrick Terpening, Phillip Terpening, Myles Smith, Ryan Uhland, Justin Smith and Tyce Nevin. All of Maxines grandchildren and great grandchildren were the honorary casketbearers. Final committal services were held at the Fairview Cemetery in Cheyenne Wells. Memorial contributions can be made to the Cheyenne Wells United Methodist Church.