"To the Maxfield/Wardman families, Tiny and Bess were my neighbors and close family friends in Albion, Ia. I've known The family all of my life. Brenda was my awesome babysitter and Steve was my lifelong friend. My parents were best buds with Tiny and Bess and they spent a lot of quality time together. When I visited Marshalltown recently I went to visit Bess and she of course was sharp as a tack and full of life. She was as beautiful inward as she was on the outside. The kindness flowed out of her just naturally. After Bess moved to Nebraska I Kept in touch with her about my life with my own family. My sincere condolences to the families. I think of you so often. Craig and Jill Brewer. Hudson Falls, New York"
In loving memory of
Bessie M. Maxfield
March 26, 1923 - August 26, 2018
Bessie M. Maxfield, 95, of Columbus, NE, formerly of Marshalltown, IA, passed away Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the Columbus Care and Rehab Center in Columbus. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 31, 2018, at Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 West Main Street in Marshalltown. A visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m., until the time of the services, at Anderson Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Bessie was born on March 26, 1923, to Thomas and Ethel (Stanford) Matney, in Albion, IA. She attended school in Albion. On December 21, 1940, Bessie was united in marriage to James "Tiny" Russell Maxfield. They were blessed with four children. Bessie worked for Marshalltown Manufacturing for many years before moving with her husband to Donna, TX, where they lived for almost 20 years. She returned to Marshalltown before moving to Columbus, where she lived for the last year and a half. Bessie was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. She loved dancing with her husband, playing cards with friends, Bingo, Dominoes, Yahtzee, reading, and embroidery.
Bessie is survived by two children: Brenda (John) Wardman of Columbus, NE, and Allan (Jennifer) Maxfield of Newton, IA; five grandchildren: Tambri (Kermit) Wilshusen, Todd Wardman, Christopher (Sandra) Wardman, Rodney (Tom) Maxfield, and Kelly (Jill) Maxfield; three step grandchildren: Bruce York, Renae Lindemann, and Benjamin York; 16 great grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, two sons, James and Steven, a granddaughter, Nan, her parents, and 11 brothers and sisters.
Tributes
"Bessie and her family were long time family friends of my family. I was so fortunate I got to see and visit with her on my last visit home before she moved to Nebraska. We talked about and shared memories from the past and shared a few tears for Steve who was like a little brother to me. Spent time with her and Tiny and my Mom at Moose picnics, fish fries and other get togethers. I'll always remember those warm brown eyes and that smile of hers. My heartfelt sympathy to all the family. I know she'll be greatly missed by all who knew her. Pam Atwood "
"Dear sweet Bessie...we used to belong to the Moose too and loved talking with Bessie and Tiny and meeting up with them at the dances and all the things we used to do at the Moose. Surely brings back happy memories. Bessie and I used to talk about our ?Brenda?s? as we have a Brenda too. Your parents were good people... Marilyn and Jerry Riggins"
"I am so sorry to hear of Bessie's passing. She was a good friend of my Mom's (Phylis Loffgren). She was always so kind, thoughtful and happy. We all came to love her! Let your memories help you through this difficult time."
" Bessie was one of my favorite patients at the nursing home here in columbus. She made my day so much better, she always knew how to put a smile on my face, even if I had to bribe her to get out of bed in the mornings. I am so greatful for her and her family. Prayes for you guys while you are going through this rough time. She will be greatly missed Your fellow CNA, Kara Kleinheksel (Martens)"
"Dear Bessie's family, I think of Bessie so often; as she was truly my favorite person to visit with at the nursing home when she lived in Marshalltown! I loved how her beautiful brown eyes just twinkled when she was talking about her family and how proud she was of each of you! We reminisced about people that we both knew from Albion and those that had already passed. She and I would get to giggling when neither of us could come up with someone's name! I missed her dearly when she moved to Nebraska, but was so very happy that she could be near you all that she missed so much! Please accept my condolences and know that she brought me great joy every Wednesday afternoon. Praying that your memories help you through this hard time. Paige Legg "