Maxine Adams

Sep. 9, 1936 - Jan. 26, 2022

Date of Service: Feb. 1, 2022

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BURLEY - Maxine Adams, an 85-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley.

Maxine, the daughter of Ralph Henry “Kelly” Poulton and Desma Dayley Poulton, was born in Oakley, Idaho, on September 9, 1936, but started life living at the Warm Creek Ranch until the family’s final move to the Dam Ranch outside of Oakley. Maxine shared life with her brother, Gary “Mike” (Kathy), and her older sister, Thelma (Rod) and a specially appointed brother, Karl “Bud” Bedke.

Mom really enjoyed ranch work, especially if it included the use of a good horse. She really enjoyed cooking as long as it wasn’t venison. She and her mother would create large meals for the haying crews every summer and her mode of transportation to school in the winter time was ice skating the canal from her home below the dam to Oakley High School.

Mom married her sweetheart, Larry Byron Adams, on June 14, 1957. They lived in Utah until she completed her college courses at Brigham Young University in Provo. They then moved back to Oakley so Maxine could begin her teaching career at Oakley High School. This was a little awkward for her as she was only 20 years old and teaching her younger brothers.

Softball was Mom’s favorite sport. She was good at batting and pitching, but her forte was riding horses. She was the rodeo queen for both the Oakley and Burley rodeos. In her very humble manner she also was a Miss Idaho contestant. She never mentioned this to her family, but once when asked about it a couple of years ago, she was adamant that it was strictly for money to pay for college.

Larry and Maxine moved to Burley in 1964 when Dad started his own business. Mom continued teaching starting at Burley High School then moving to the junior high teaching 8th and 9th grade English. She ended her 41-year career in education back at the Burley High School media center after her oldest grandson, Clint Adams, graduated. The impact she had on her students holds strong even today.

Mom did not sit idly by after retirement. She maintained a strong connection with her dear friends with wine on Thursdays at Lulus, service to Cassia Memorial Hospital as a Pink Lady with her dear friend Jeanie Snow, on the Burley Library Board, PEO, and OVAC. Up until her sudden passing, she still played a mean game of pinochle.

Larry and Maxine raised two sons, Kelly (Becky Mallory) and Brett (Mary Frances Hart) and one daughter, Jodie (Brice Beck). Two other sons were claimed by Mom and Dad as well, Kirk Gorringe and Ryn Harman (Laura Bean). Mom and Dad were blessed with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wells, Dr. Boehmer, the caring and wonderful people at Pomerelle Place, and everyone at Cassia Memorial Hospital who made her final moments very comfortable.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 1, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. Burial will be in Oakley Cemetery.

Family and friends will be welcomed from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, January 31, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, at the funeral home.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/2UdUGYrP8pI.

Condolences for Maxine Adams

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Bryan Woodhouse:
I just learned of Maxine's death over a year ago and was very sorry to hear of it. She was my favorite teacher in high school, more than sixty years ago. She was a wonderful and effective teacher and was also stunningly beautiful. I remember vividly the interesting and fun things we did in her class. I will miss her.
From Tracy Mann Hastings :
Mrs. Adams was my Literature teacher in 9th grade and I loved being in her class. She was such a classy lady! I later worked as a library aide for several years while at BHS and had so much respect for her. My condolences to the family.
From Sharon Howa:
I'm am so sorry for your loss, Kelly, Brett and families. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. Your Mom was a great lady and she will be missed.
From Reed W Larsen :
Nothing but great memories of Mrs Adams She was a great teacher always inspired me to do better and enjoyed kids and reasonable mischief. Sad that Maxine, Patty and Carol are all gone. Makes me feel older than I am I am headed to Arizona and will take a good horse for a ride in the desert and remember those three teachers that had such a powerful influence on my life God bless you Maxine
From Debi Davis :
Maxine and Larry were fabulous people and neighbors. We love them! He was a great boss and cousin and Maxine was a wonderful friend. Dan and Debi (Sutton) Davis
From Corine Larson :
Maxine was a wonderful lady and teacher. While I was always a little scared of her at school given my penchant to talk too loud in the library, she was so exceptionally good at what she did. She was always looked so professional and carried herself with such dignity and grace. My mother (Carol Larson) had such admiration for her and I know she felt lucky to have worked with her for so many years. Love to Maxine's family. I know you will miss her.
From Diane Haines Remington :
Many great memories come to mind. Loved this lady and her example to our family! She and Larry helped raise the Haines’ family! Sincere sympathy! Just heard about her passing today.
From Diane Haines Remington :
Many great memories come to mind. Loved this lady and her example to our family! She and Larry helped raise the Haines’ family! Sincere sympathy! Just heard about her passing today.
From Marcia Simpson, Abbie Ondler:
We’re so sorry for your loss. Maxine and Larry were such great neighbors. They were always there for us. I am out of town or I would me there to pay my respects. Love you all Marcia and Abbie.
From Marcia Simpson, Abbie Ondler:
We’re so sorry for your loss. Maxine and Larry were such great neighbors. They were always there for us. I am out of town or I would be there to pay my respects. Love you all Marcia and Abbie.
From Patty Snow:
Max and mom were two peas in a pod and their friendship was closer than most siblings. This daring duo traveled the world together but were just as happy spending an afternoon together sipping wine...Rose for Max and boxed white for mom. I loved Maxine like a second mother and I'm so glad I got to give her one last hug at mom's memorial. She was an amazing lady and I'm sure she and mom are kicking up their heels on the other side!
From Kathy Gillette Shaw:
Maxine was the best cousin anyone could have, and one of the only people alive who could still remember my mother, who died in 1955. She supported my siblings and me as my mother had supported her, Thelma and Mike. Maxine always told me the truth. I could trust her. I will never forget her.
From Holly Welker:
Truly a class act. Thinking of you all. Keep those memories near. Love you Jodie!
From Darla Williams:
a great friend, from cleaning her beautiful immaculate home to working at the snack bar with her. A great example to all.You and Jeannie have a fun time in heaven!
From Gary Sullivan:
Goodbye old friend.
From Pam and Dwayne Free:
So sorry to hear of this beautiful lady’s passing. A true educator, and a pleasure to work with. My deepest condolences and prayers for your family.
From Trudy Jackson:
One of my favorite English Teachers. Bless you Mrs. Adams…Trudy Sherrod Jackson!! Class of 71
From Steve and Shelley Jones:
What a memorable women, Grace always came into my mind when I was around her. Our families are sending love to yours
From Pat and Gary Schlitt:
So sorry for the passing of your beautiful, Mama, Kelly and Brett and families. She was a pleasure to be around. The life of any party.
From Mike Gemar:
Learned so much from her working in the media center. She would send us to Price's Cafe to get cinnamon rolls on some Fridays. What a great lady and outstanding educator.
From Kathy Collett:
Such a beautiful, special lady. We hope and pray that the cherished memories will provide peace and comfort to family and friends during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With love....Tim and Kathy (Stanger) Collett and family
From Russell Taylor:
One of my most favorite teachers and great friend!
From Al and Kathy Barrus:
What a special lady and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
From Mary Harmle:
I got to have a nice visit with her this past week at Jeanie Snow memorial.....we were volunteers at the Hospital. Safely home in Gods care
From Sheila B. Adams:
I hope there’s a purse at the service. Still my best memory of Max. That and her helping me pick chokecherries while Larry n Dale sat on the tree to bend it lower.
My love goes out to you all

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