Maxine Elizabeth Bax, age 82, of Freeburg, was born November 15, 1943, at Freeburg, a daughter of Willard Fredrick and Martha Bernadine (Dickneite) Barton, and passed from this life on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

     Maxine was united in marriage on March 3, 1961, at Freeburg, to Emil George “Sweet Pea” Bax, who preceded her in death on November 16, 2010. In addition to her loving husband of 49 years, Maxine was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary Ann Bax on August 22, 1964; her father, Willard (Bill) Barton on December 6, 1972; her mother, Martha Barton on April 29, 1984; and two sisters, Esther Becker on November 2, 1982 and Sophie Koetting on January 27, 2002.

     During her working life, Maxine was employed with the State of Missouri, Division of Health from 1961-1962, the Division of Youth Services from 1975-1995, and the Division of General Services from 1995-1999. She also worked at Quaker Window Company, Freeburg. After retiring from the State of Missouri, Maxine worked for Hilke’s Ice Company, Freeburg, and for Terry Bax, CPA in Dallas, Texas, for 16 years until her health no longer permitted her to work.

     Maxine was a 1961 graduate of Fatima High School. She was a devoted Christian and a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg. Maxine was also member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post, Freeburg, a member of the Western Catholic Union, and the Rosary Worriers. In her younger years, Maxine enjoyed traveling and taking bus trips with her friends, she also enjoyed playing cards, reading and baking which she passed down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, planting flowers, but her family was her everything and she loved family gatherings especially during the holidays.

     Those left to mourn the passing of Maxine include: five sons, Mark Bax (Lucia) of Modesto CA, Bruce Bax of Hartsburg, Terry Bax of Dallas TX, Jamie Bax (Jennifer) of Jefferson City, and Eric Bax (Nikki) of Troy; one daughter, Nicki Bax of Freeburg; four grandsons, Shane (Jessica) Zimmer of Freeburg, Steve Pershe of Modesto CA, Hendrix Bax of Troy, and Hayden Clausener of Kirksville; Seven granddaughters, Heather Barnhart of Columbia, Rosie Bax of Fulton, Jessica (Mack Weyers) Bax of Fulton, Trisha (Adam) Kilgore of Columbia, Carissa (Alex) Brewer of Holden, Brooklyn (Aaron) Brewer of North Kansas City, Shaylyn (Kutter) Baumgartner of California, and; fourteen great-grandchildren, Emil (EJ) Zimmer, EmmaLynn Zimmer, William Barnhart, Temprence (Tempy) Barnhart, Kamila Ming, Josie Ming, Alexander Ming, Hunter McCarter, Grace McCarter, Cayson McCarter, Elliott Kilgore, Mabel Kilgore, Bennett Brewer, and Brooks Brewer; one sister Karen Hopkins of North Kansas City; and many other relatives and friends.

     A Rosary for Mrs. Maxine Bax will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., with a visitation following from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., all in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg, with Rev. William Debo officiating. For those not able to attend there will be a Facebook Live feed on the Facebook page of Nicki Bax.

     Interment will be held in the Holy Family Cemetery, Freeburg, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home.

     Memorial contributions are suggested by the family for Masses or per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the church on the day of his service or c/o the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri 65582.