Phebe Rowley Maxwell

MAXWELL-Phebe Rowley Maxwell, 97, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away Friday, March 13, 2009, at Life Care Center of Farmington after several months of illness. She was born in Pacheco, Mexico, on Oct. 25, 1911. She and her family fled Mexico as refugees when revolutionary rebels raided the area in 1913. She lived most of her life throughout the southwest United States, primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. She married and later di-vorced Dell Sylvester Hale (deceased). They are the parents of Gerald Ardell Hale, Wilva Jo Hale and Esther Lou Hale. She later married Franklin Bailey Maxwell (deceased). They are the parents of Phebe Lynn Maxwell. She has three stepchildren from that marriage: Charles Edward Maxwell, Barbara West and Lacrita Ann "Pete" Mengus. Phebe is survived by six children, 32 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 40 great-great grandchildren. Predominately self-educated, Phebe had a continual thirst for knowledge throughout her life. She attended many college courses and continued to improve her mind throughout her days by reading, especially from scriptures and religious texts. She loved her faith and served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for many years as a Relief Society President, librarian, and in various other capacities. She often admonished her children and grandchildren to pay a tithe, testifying that the Lord had always blessed her with all that she needed because she paid a faithful tithe. She would often say, "Cast your bread upon the water and it will come back buttered." One salient characteristic of Phebe's life was work. She worked throughout her life with a cheerful heart in a variety of trades and vocations, principally in service positions. At age 87 she still was working full time as a social worker for the State of New Mexico and was only hindered in her continued employment when she suffered a stroke in 1997. At home she also worked with a will, sewing clothes for her loved ones, gardening and canning much of the family food, and baking yummy homemade bread, cookies, pies, and cakes for all those who would come to her home (especially the grandkids)! Even when relaxing, Phebe was working with her hands crocheting baby blankets and afghans for her family and others. Even in her advanced age when she was essentially a shut-in, she would crochet squares for the American Red Cross to be made into blankets for others. Most will remember Phebe for her quick wit and good humor. Once when asked to speak in church, she quipped with a twinkle in her eye, "I was more worried about what to wear today than what I would say." That wasn't far from the truth as she also referred to herself as a clothes horse. Her granddaughters would often comb through her closets for something to wear while on visits. In her younger years she loved to dance and would compete frequently in dance competitions. She never forgot a birthday and was the biggest cheerleader at any of her family's special graduations or accomplishments. Once Phebe's friend, you were a friend for life. She had a great heart and would love and forgive even the most unlovable or unforgivable. Pallbearers are Cameron Smith, Crandall Smith, Cullum Smith, Ryonald Hale, Delwin Hale and Brandon Platero. Phebe is in the care of: Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St., Farmington (505) 325-8688