Maxine P. Arnold-Stokes, 94, a longtime Skagit County resident, passed away at her home in Sedro-Woolley, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, January 12, 2014.
She was born on September 5, 1919, in St. Anthony, Idaho, the daughter of Fredrick & Margaret (Nelson) Stacy. In the early 1920’s the family moved to Concrete where Maxine was raised and attended school.
On December 27, 1934 she was united in marriage to Raymond Arnold in Bellingham, and other than a short stay in Snoqualmie Falls they made their home and raised their family in Concrete.
Maxine worked as a postal clerk at the Concrete Post Office for 25 years and after retiring from there she worked with Visiting Nurses for several years.
She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Rebekah Lodge and the Concrete American Legion Auxiliary. Her interests included ceramics, bowling and playing pinochle, but her real loves were her family, camping, travel, travel and more travel. She took cruises to Europe and the Caribbean and a special cruise to Alaska on her 90th birthday with her daughters and granddaughters; and thru her love of family she and
Ray raised three foster children, whom to this day she considers her own.
Ray passed away in 1999 and in 2002 she married their good friend, Tom Stokes and they lived in Concrete until moving to Sedro-Woolley.
Maxine is survived by her children and their spouses, Sandra & Bob Glover of Mount Vernon, WA, Steve & Cynthia Arnold of Monroe, WA, Marvin & Joyce Mehlum of Burlington, WA, Rhoda & Tim Haussler of Sedro-Woolley, and Melinda & Jon Reinstra of Bellingham; 14 grandchildren, Tim & Chip Haussler, Shawn Hager, Stephanie Bertolini, Cynthia Fisher, Brian Bannister, Susan Heitman, Stacy Arnold, Jeryre Zelinsky, Gabrielle Clay, Sasha Rehagen, Erin Serrano, Jason Mehlum and Joleen Hickox; 25 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, LaDean and numerous other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ray Arnold and Tom Stokes; daughter, Barbara Peterson; grandson, Nathan Mehlum; granddaughter, Sylvia Reinstra and several brothers and sisters.
The family extends a special thank you to Ronnie Mehlum for all her love and care for Maxine, and to the staff at Country Meadow Village, especially Bertha, a special angel.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Hospice of the Northwest or to the American Lung Association
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete with Pastor Tom Ross of the Mount Baker Presbyterian Church officiating, followed by a fellowship gathering at the CCD Center in Concrete.) Visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley.
My sincerest condolences to Maxine’s entire family. I did not have the distinct pleasure and privilege of knowing Maxine until the last few years. My Mom (C. Eudine Prater-Sparks) and Maxine were school mates in Concrete, Washington. Maxine and my Mom maintained a long distance friendship (we live in New York) for the next 60+ years. The only time my Mom returned to her home state was in 1981 and I believe that she and Maxine got together at that point. My Mom passed away in 2001 and just a few years ago through my cousin who resides at the Meadows, we were able to speak on the phone and to talk about her friendship with my Mom. I found Maxine to be so warm and friendly with great memories of my Mom’s and her days in school. Thank you Maxine for a late blooming friendship – I will miss you! God bless each of her family as you endure the future without her. You are all in my prayers.
Dear family of Maxine,
I wanted to attend services, but did not get a ride. Your Mom has been a part of the Coulter family for many years. My heart and thoughts are with you today. I know that Mom, Barbara Coulter’s heart is with you as well. Mom was hospitalized on New Year’s Day for a full week. She is getting stronger but doesn’t get out much.
Sending love and prayers. Louise
Marv, Joyce and family sorry to hear about the passing of Marv’s mom. Condolences to you all.
Chuck Bennett
Memories go back to the 2nd grade when Maxine was our Cub Scout Den Mother Back in ’55. The Times as they moved forward brought Maxine and Family over to the South Side of the Skagit; closer to our Family Home. Many Years and Stories passed down and then She moved to Sedro-Woolley. When Jan and I moved back to town ourselves; we took some short Lunch Trips w/Darrell & Sharon up Hwy-9 to the Blue Mountain Bar & Grill for their Million Dollar Hamburger; she really enjoyed.
We stopped by from time to time to visit her at the Assisted Living Facility the stories she told helped to catch me up on old times and share a “Couple of Fingers”; as we passed the time.
She is at peace smiling down on all the Good She has passed on to me and others…
Clearly a Void is left in the Upper Valley.
Denny & Jan Justice
Dear Sandy, Steve and families,
We are so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing; she was such a good friend and neighbor for so many years. It was always a joy to visit with her whether at our house or yours. Our little street was a true community and our friendships were lifelong connections.
Time passes so quickly and its a sad fact that we don’t get up to Concrete very often. (Mama just celebrated her 92nd birthday last week and we stay pretty close to home these days.) We last saw your Mom at Cascade Days about six years ago and had a nice visit. Sort of “picked up” where we left off as though little or no time had passed by at all.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you adjust to such a major change in your lives. Your Mom will be missed by so many people. That great smile of her’s will never be matched by anyone else. When I think of your Mom, I will always think of her cookie baking talents and my love for Ranger Cookies even to this day.
Hugs to all of you in loving friendship,
Sherrie and Vi