Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Maxine McKean Anderson, returned to our Heavenly Father on March 21, 2022, at the age of 88 in her daughter’s home in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.
Maxine was born Nov. 24, 1933, to Theodorus “Mack” Emery McKean and Iva Shepherd in Birdseye, Utah. She was born at home, the youngest of eight children, seven girls and one brother. Much of her childhood was spent helping with the daily farm chores including raising chickens, hauling hay, and herding sheep.
She often expressed how grateful she was for her loving parents and wonderful upbringing. They have all passed on now, as she was the last living member of her immediate family. She attended elementary, junior high and high school in Spanish Fork where she enjoyed twirling baton with the school marching band and had many friends that she stayed close to throughout her life.
She married the love of her life Gary Dean Anderson, Dec. 10, 1952, in the Manti Temple. Maxine and Gary made their home in Fairview and had nine children. While Gary herded sheep on the mountain in the summer, Maxine cared for their children at home and always maintained a beautiful large garden.
She bottled and preserved all the food she grew. In the winter, they spent many memorable family Christmases together out on the desert with their sheep herd. They were married for 54 years until his passing in 2006.
Her greatest joy was her family. She loved and was loved by her large extended family. She always looked forward to family get togethers, reunions, and holidays. She attended all the family events. She especially enjoyed gathering with everyone on the 24th of July for the annual parade and spending time together at the Anderson cabin.
She was a faithful and long-life member of the Fairview 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed many close associations with her ward family. She had a deep love for the Savior. She served in many church callings including Primary President and Relief Society President.
Maxine and Gary served two full time missions: the California Anaheim Mission and the South Dakota Rapid City Mission. In her later life, she loved serving as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple for over 15 years. Her faith and goodness blessed the lives of all who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Roger (Donna), Eddie (Kim), Margo (Michael) Olsen, Victor (Shauntel), Steven (Laura), Bradley (Lisa), and Tracy (Melanie); daughter-in-law Kathy Anderson; 32 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and David Samons; her son Eugene Anderson; two grandsons Clint Anderson and Travis Olsen; her husband, parents, and siblings. We know she is having a joyous reunion in Heaven reunited with her eternal companion as well as many loved ones beyond the veil.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the many kindnesses in thought and deed, and give a special thanks to IHC Hospice, Rural Senior Adult Services (RSAS), and Margo and Mike for their loving care for mom during her final years.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 26 at 11 a.m. in the Fairview 1st Ward Chapel, 122 S. State. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com.
