Alice Maxine Thornhill was born February 8, 1926 in Lincoln, Arkansas one of six children born to Ralph E. and H. Corine (Green) Melton. Maxine always held family dear. Some of her favorite times were when she and her siblings got together for family reunions and Memorial Days spent reminiscing. Many fond memories were from early days when she still lived on the farm, and the family would come together to help with whatever needed doing. She loved gardening, growing flowers and fruit trees. Of course, there was always strawberry shortcake to share when the work was done.

Maxine was a wonderful cook. She cooked at Northeastern State University for many years before retiring. She was always ready to play cards, spades, and dominoes, and most of all loved to play skip bo with the children.

In later years Maxine grew close to her church friends, but her biggest joy was watching her family grow through the generations. She crocheted house shoes and made quilts for everyone.

Maxine departed this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the age of 96 years. Preceding her in death were her husband, William Warn Thornhill, a son, Jack Warren Thornhill, a daughter, Helen Louise Disheroon and all her siblings, including Uretta Copeland, Ralph J. Melton, Roy H. Melton, Elmer L. Melton and an infant sister, Florence Melton.

Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Maxine Payton; grandchildren, Brandy Reese, Jesse M. Payton, Candie Rankin, Bobby L. Disheroon, Earl Warren "Jack" Thornhill, Janna Torix and Raymond Thornhill; great-grandchildren, Caleb Payton, Lauren Payton, Hailey Payton, Aubree Reese, Ainsley Reese, Xander Torix, Xaleigh Torix, Xoey Torix, Billy Wayne Rankin, Channan Rankin, Chessalyn Rankin, Breanna Steele, Jaden Broadwater, Sophia Disheroon and Cameron Thornhill; extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mallett Funeral Home Chapel in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

A celebration of life service will be on Tuesday, April 19 at 12:30 p.m. at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.