Maxine Baker

Maxine Baker was a woman who found her greatest pleasure between the pages of a book. She was a lifelong, avid reader, and poured over the pages of countless books in her lifetime. While her nose was often in a book, her heart was always with her loving family. More than anything, Maxine was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, whose own story wouldn’t be complete without her family.

Maxine’s story began on a hot summer day in 1917, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were such turbulent times in this country, as World War I raged overseas, and for the first time in many years, Americans were reminded of what true sacrifice meant. On July 26, 1917, Walter and Anna (Stel) Volwiler celebrated the birth of a baby girl, a daughter they named Maxine.

Maxine was an only child for much of her youth, until her little brother Wally joined the family when she was 10 years old. Her mother was a loving homemaker, while her father was a hardworking man who delivered milk for the Grand Rapids Creamery. He began delivering milk by horse-drawn wagon, but as the years went by, he ended his career with a truck.

The family lived in a little house at 532 Carrier NE in Grand Rapids, a new home her parents bought in 1917 before she was born, for the huge sum of $900! Her father was a good provider, though, and the family spent many wonderful vacations in cottages on Duncan Lake or Gun Lake over the years.

She faithfully attended Hope Lutheran Church in the city, where she made so many lifelong friends, formed the basis of her faith, and was a devoted member for more than 70 years.

Maxine attended East Leonard Elementary School as a little girl, where she formed her love for learning, and her love of books, and the magic they held between the covers. She devoured every book she could in grade school, and learned all she could, as well. She also taught herself to play piano, and continued to play for many years.

Eventually Maxine attended Creston High School, where she diligently worked to make the school’s honor roll. She was a bright young woman and a hardworking student, and was determined to graduate with honors, which she proudly achieved.

In 1940, Maxine met a man named Bob Babcock, who was taking the same dance class at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. They danced, then they dated, and after a two-year courtship, they were married on June 18, 1943. The newlyweds settled in Grand Rapids, where Bob worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep.

Eventually, the two became parents, as well, and were blessed with three wonderful sons over the years. Bruce joined the family in January of 1947, while they celebrated twin sons Dan and William in October of 1950. In the summertime, Bob and Maxine and the boys rented cottages in the Traverse City area for a couple of weeks, which she enjoyed so much.

Maxine was a wonderful wife and mother, who put life in a balanced perspective for her kids. She was always supportive of her boys, even if they were in the wrong; she always made sure they had learned from their mistakes.

Eventually, Maxine and Bob’s marriage ended in 1969, though she remained strong and independent as always. Later she went to work for Ben Garrison Underwriters, and then Witter’s and Clapp Insurance Company. During her time in the insurance industry in which she worked until age 70, she became a member of the Insurance Women’s Association, as well.

Maxine filled her free time with her family and friends, or especially, reading. She read countless books over the years, everything from fiction and nonfiction. She went to the library every week, and read almost three books every week.

Maxine was very active in her church, and was a member of the Service Guild and served as the church clerk for many years. Maxine was always so generous with her time to those around her, though, especially her church family. She had many close friends there. She was a member of a sewing club where she made many close friends. Maxine also enjoyed collecting and caring for her family heirlooms, and was in many ways, the curator of the family.

In the early 1990s, Maxine was reunited with a former classmate from high school named Hugh Baker, and an old crush was rekindled. They began spending time together, fell in love, and were married in 1994.

Maxine and Hugh loved being together, and in the winters they spent some time in Florida and Arizona. Sadly, Hugh died in 1998, after just four years of marriage. Eventually, her health began to fail, and she died on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, at the age of 90.

Maxine was a wonderful woman, a woman so articulate and intelligent, with an unconditional love for her family. She was a woman who loved to have her nose in a book, yet her heart was always with her loving family. More than anything, Maxine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, whose happiest times were by their side. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Bruce & Nancy Babcock, Dan & Diane Babcock, William & Pam Babcock; her grandchildren: David & Amanda Babcock, Lindy & Lori Babcock, Christina & Jeff Mc Laughlin, Ellen & Dan Williams, Corey Oakes, 5 great grandchildren; her sister-in-law: Marjorie Volwiler, her children Larry Volwiler, Suzan Stanley and many members of the Baker family. A service to celebrate her life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 6th at 1:00 PM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, on Friday, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith Hospice or Hope Lutheran Church. To read more about Maxine’s life, to leave your own memory of her or to sign her guest book, please visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.