Maxine Deimund

Maxine Deimund, 98, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

She was born Jan. 14, 1913, in Tilsit, to Alice Masters and Silas VanBuren Crump. She was the eighth child of nine and spent her early life in Tilsit. Maxine married Ray Ralph Deimund on May 11, 1930, in Jonesboro, Ill. They celebrated 54 years of marriage before her husband's death Oct. 6, 1984.

Maxine is survived by five children, Barbara Deimund Swink of Winchester, Va., Marjorie George and husband Milton of Cape Girardeau, Dr. Keith Deimund and wife Marjorie of Cape Girardeau, Janet Pohl and husband Ronald of Williamsburg, Va., Rodger Deimund and wife Linda of Cape Girardeau; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, five sisters and a grandchild.

Maxine was a member of First Baptist Church, established 1834, from 1926 to 2011. In 1927, 14-year-old Maxine walked with the congregation carrying hymnals from the Spanish Street and Broadway church to the new First Baptist Church at 926 Broadway. Today, First Baptist is relocated at Cape Rock Drive and Lexington Avenue.

Maxine remembered well that she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at a tent revival led by evangelist Billy Sunday. Her brother, Silas, drove her to the revival meeting. Maxine was an active member in many facets of the church including Women's Missionary Union, Sunday school and Training Union. She was recently recognized for holding the longest membership (85 years) at First Baptist Church.

She built her life around her family, church family and the community of Cape Girardeau. She was a member of Parent Teachers Association at SEMO Training School and College High from 1937 to 1967 and concurrently at Central High School from 1955 to 1962.

Maxine was a charter member of Rodney Vista Homemakers Club 60 years, 1942 to 2002. She served as a volunteer judge at the SEMO District Fair. She also worked many years at the election polls.

In her very early years she was employed at Brown Shoe Factory. She was an active volunteer at Southeast Hospital and was later employed nearly 20 years at the information desk and as an EKG technician. She has been a resident at Chateau Girardeau since 1986.

Friends may call 11 a.m. to service time Saturday at First Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.