Maxine LaVerne Amundson

Maxine LaVerne Amundson, 83, of Benton Harbor, went to be with her Lord, Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Orchard Grove Extended Care in Benton Harbor. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, 245 W. Napier, in Benton Harbor, with Pastor Dr. John Hosler officiating. Burial will follow at Shanghai Cemetery near Eau Claire. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday evening at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to either Hospice at Home or to Napier Parkview Baptist Church. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Maxine was born April 12, 1925 in Benton Harbor to Burton and Eva Jewell. She helped raise her siblings and was known as “Big Sis” to her brothers and sisters. She began her nursing career in 1946 at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor. Maxine enjoyed her career thoroughly before her retirement in 1992. On October 19, 1962, she married Vern Amundson. She was known for her whit and sense of humor. Maxine loved singing in a trio with her sisters both at church and at family gatherings. Maxine adored her grandchildren and particularly enjoyed playing board games with them. A life-long lover of ice cream, she often took her children and grandchildren out for an ice cream treat. Maxine is survived by her husband Vern “Jim” Amundson of nearly 46 years; daughters, Lois (David) Stockwell of Three Oaks and Sharon (Ed) Crampton of St. Joseph; three grandchildren, Paul and Lyssa Stockwell and Eddie Crampton; great-granddaughter Lily Stockwell; and by her siblings, Forrest “Nick” (Arlice) Jewell of Benton Harbor, Gerald “Pete” (Elsie) Jewell of Eau Claire, Shirley (Fred) Wesner of Benton Harbor and Lorraine (Gustave) Peppel of Eau Claire; sisters-in-law, Virginia Jewell and Janice Jewell; and by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Adolph Ritter; and by her brothers, Burton, Jr., Donald, and Leonard Jewell.