Maxine Sanford

Maxine Taylor-Casey Sanford, 89, of Scott City passed away Monday, June 5, 2017, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau.

She was born June 3, 1928, in Flora, Illinois, the daughter of Ora Ruth Taylor-Casey.

Maxine attended Fornfelt Public School and was a high-school graduate of The American School. On Aug. 10, 1945, Maxine married William Sanford Jr. of Ancell. They shared almost 72 years of marriage.

Maxine was fortunate to have been a homemaker throughout her children's growing years. Later, she enjoyed writing feature stories for the Sikeston Daily Standard and reporting the court news for Scott County.

Maxine thoroughly enjoyed anything pertaining to history. One of Maxine's most enjoyable hobbies was serving as an election judge for Scott County for many years.

Maxine was a member and former president of the Scott City Garden Club, a former member of the park board of Scott City and chairperson of the Illmo-Fornfelt school reunion committee, working tirelessly to collect and gather pictures of former classes from years past. These pictures were framed and hung in the school.

Maxine had many hobbies, including making hundreds of dozens of candied mints for weddings and showers, which earned her recognition in the St. Louis Globe Democrat.

She also enjoyed spending time with her husband at their farm picking up pecans. In 1976, the Missouri Department of Conservation made an official visit to the farm, certifying Maxine's favorite pecan trees "Bicentennial," which meant they were older than the nation. Maxine was especially proud the farm had historical significance.

Maxine was a Christian and member of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church of Scott City.

She is survived by her husband, William Sanford Jr. of Chateau Girardeau; three children, Barbara (Larry) Spiers of St. Clair, Missouri, Steve (Brenda) Sanford of Scott City and Rebecca (Jim) Dattilo of Cincinnati; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Maxine was preceded in death by her mother.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Cornerstone Wesleyan Church of Scott City, with the funeral at 1 p.m., with Pastor Kevin Ropp officiating. Interment will be in Lightner Cemetery in Scott City.

Memorials may be given to the church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.