Shirley Maxine Marx Powell Rinehart (1931-2018)

PRICE – Shirley Maxine Marx Powell Rinehart, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, September 11th, 2018, after a long and difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born into the loving family of Alvin LeRoy and Wayne Cloward Marx on November 21st, 1928, in Hiawatha, Utah. She was the youngest child born, and the 5th daughter born. She had 4 sisters and 7 brothers. She never knew the meaning of idle moments. Even though she worked very hard, and had to do without many things, she always talked about her happy childhood and early adulthood. Her families love and devotion for each other never faltered.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Leon Eben Powell, May 10th, 1945, in Washore County, Nevada while he was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She married him and went to live on the naval base. She was adored by her husband, and she adored him. She loved and supported him as he served our nation. One year later, May 20th, 1946 they were married in the Manti Temple, in Sanpete County, Utah. Her husband, Leon Eben Powell, was one of 13 children. Together they were blessed with 5 children of their own. They raised their family in Price, Utah.
She was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she held many positions over the years. She taught young people in Sunday school classes for many years, as well as serving in the Ward and Stake Relief Society Presidencies. She traveled and served as an ordinance worker at the Manti Temple for many years, and truly loved every minute of it. She had a firm testimony of the gospel.
She was an extraordinary woman who always had a full time job. She worked at Savoy Hotel in housekeeping, Mission Motel as a switchboard operator, Shell Gas Station doing payroll and billing, then worked and retired from H & J Supply as an accounting specialist. She made sure her children never went without. After her husband had 2 back surgeries, and was diagnosed with liver cancer, she gave him the best care possible. She always put him and her children first, even though she was hospitalized with inflammation of the blood veins and life threatening blood clots several times. She was always willing to assist others in need and cherished her years of volunteering as a Pink Lady at Castleview Hospital for years.
After her husband Eben passed away on June 22, 1984, 6 years later while on a B.Y.U. tour of Israel and Egypt, Maxine met James Franklin Rinehart, and a year later they were married on November 23rd, 1990. James had three daughters, Jimelle Rinehart, Susan (Mike) Davidson, and Joanie Rinehart.
Maxine was an excellent homemaker. She kept her house spotless and took pride in doing so. We think her and her sisters invented the definition to the word, “clean.” She loved to can fruits and vegetables, and make yummy jams. She was an incredible cook and prepared many specialties over the years. Her famous cinnamon twists, turkey dumplings, paprika chicken, pork noodles, garlic dill pickles and spam casserole. She loved music and loved to sing songs and would always do her little dance jigs. A few of her favorite songs to sing were “Show Me the Way to Go Home”, and “Getting to Know You”, from the show, the King and I. She had a baby doll that she loved very much and would hold nonstop and even tickle it, and “Sing Rock a Bye Baby” or “I love you a bushel and a peck”. She loved to watch hummingbirds and birds from her kitchen window. She loved to paint ceramics, sew, crochet, quilt and knit. She loved playing cards with her sisters on sister night, in which they reserved one night a week to play Canasta.
Maxine was a rare and precious woman, and an exceptional mother, who always put her family’s needs before her own. She shared her love and compassion, to family and friends without reservation, and never expected anything in return. She was a loving, gracious, and generous person who loved people and they loved her. Her laugh was always hardy and contagious.
We will always remember her laughter, bright smile, and her crazy, goofy and bubbly personality. She will be greatly missed by all of us, but her legacy of love and kindness will forever be in our memories.
Maxine has gone on to join many family members including her parents, LeRoy Alvin & Wayne Marx; beloved husbands, Leon Eben Powell & James Franklin Rinehart; brothers, Floyd, Jay, Clyde, Kenneth, Blain, Verdell, and Earl Marx; sisters, Lucile Marx, Ada Oakden and Eloise World.
Among those holding her in loving memory are her children, Donald Eben (Sandra) Powell, JoAnn (James) Ruggeri, Debra Lynn (Mitchum) Curtis, Jerry Douglas (Lainie) Powell, Jaylene (Robert) Heino; sister, Pauline (Murray) Shorts and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Maxine and Eben left posterity of 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great- grandchildren.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be a graveside service Friday, September 14th, 2018, 3:00 p.m., at Salem City Cemetery (130 East 965 South) Salem, Utah. All her loving family and friends are welcome. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where family and friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Maxine online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who cared for and loved their dear mother.