"Mary Louisa Hoffman Maxham, daughter of Jacob and Avarintha Hoffman, was born in Mecosta Township, Mecosta County, Michigan on April 6, 1881. Here she spent her girlhood, until at the age of 22, she became the wife of Albert Maxham and went to Belding to live. To this union were born three children: Jesse, Basil and Floyd. They lived in Belding for eight years; then, they returned to Mecosta, and moved to Big Rapids five years later. She has for the past 14 years lived at her home at 1013 Rose Avenue.

Converted at the early age of eight, she lived a very conscientious Christian life to the last. Though quiet and unassuming, everyone who knew her felt the richness of the grace she possessed. She was loyalty itself to her friends--sympathetic to the suffering, helping the needy, and kind to the erring. Her loving patience with little children knew no limitations. For more than a year she has cared for a little child, since the death of the little fellow's mother, and has given him nothing short of a real mother's love, which he reciprocated with all a baby's generosity.

She was a good neighbor and very appreciative of even the smallest kindness shown her.

She has been an honored and a faithful member of the Free Methodist Church for over 40 years. Ever firm in her convictions to duty and loyal always to the principles of the Church of her choice; her one aim was the approval of the Lord. And it was good to see how the joy of the Lord was her strength, buoying her up for the last trying ordeal. After she was brought from the operating room she said, "Oh, I lost all fear of the operation--the Lord was with me and I was so happy." The loss the Church has sustained in her passing is irreparable.

Mrs. Maxham leaves to mourn their loss, three children: Jesse and Floyd at home, and Basil in the U.S. Navy; two sisters--Mrs. Almond Sawyer of Rockford, and Mrs. Ernest Robinson of Cedar Springs; two brothers--Fred Hoffman of Mecosta, and Will Hoffman of Montana; and a host of friends and neighbors."