Maxine I. Rekofke

Maxine Larson Rekofke, 94, died on November 2, 2018, in Spokane, after a long and courageous fight against failing health. She was born Maxine Irene Wright in 1924 to Carl and Wilma Wright (née Brown) and grew up on a farm in Lamont, Washington, with her parents and sister Lois Kramer. Maxine moved to Spokane in 1940. Maxine worked 36 years as a manager and Chief Operator for Bell Telephone in the long distance division, until her retirement in 1980 during the divestiture of Pacific Northwest Bell. She was remembered by the many operators she supervised as a fair boss but someone who was also a friend. In retirement Maxine’s hobbies included sewing and quilting; she was a skilled seamstress and took weekly sewing classes. She followed politics avidly throughout her life and in her last years enjoyed listening to CDs of books on political topics as well as the daily news on TV. She enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends, and she loved to travel. She spent time in Arizona during the cold Spokane winters, toured Europe, saw the fall leaves in New England, and traveled to Osaka, Japan. She was a long time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church of Spokane, and in later years also attended St. Peter’s Catholic church. She was married briefly to Charles Franks, from which their daughter, Sharon, was later adopted by Everett Larson. Maxine was married for 44 years to Everett, who preceded her in death in 1993. She was married to Edward Rekofke from 1996 until his death in 2010. She is survived by her two children, Sharon (Bruce) Anthony and Gary (Lori) Larson, seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Paul (Mary) Anthony of Portland, OR; Mary Ann Anthony of Kent, WA; Susan Monteith of Graham, WA; Eric (Hallie) Anthony of Poulsbo, WA; David (Ainsley) Anthony of Columbus, OH; LoriAnne (Kyle) Hudson of Spokane; and Rhett Larson of Spokane (currently attending University of Portland ROTC). On Saturday, November 10, at 11:00 am, a memorial service and reception following will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 4620 N. Regal, Spokane, preceded by private burial. Buddy Draper will provide the eulogy. Buddy was a friend and support to Maxine during her years at The Academy retirement home, where he serves as recreational director. Memorial contributions are suggested in Maxine’s name, to St. Peter Lutheran Church.

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