Elizabeth Ann Maxwell
Elizabeth Ann Maxwell, age 79, of Ottawa, KS, passed surrounded by her family, Friday, June 4, 2021, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, KS.
Ann was born June 13, 1941, in Carroll County, Missouri. She was the daughter of Raymond and Marie Stockwell.
She graduated from Braymer High School with the class of 1959. Ann later attended beauty school in Kansas City, and went on to teach others the beauty trade.
Ann was united in marriage to James Malson on Oct. 8, 1960. They later divorced. In the union of their marriage three daughters were born: Cindy, Sue, and Mary. Ann was a homemaker for many years, raising her beloved daughters. She was very active in the Franklin County 4-H program as a club leader and a Ransom Memorial Hospital Volunteer of the Year award recipient.
She worked at Ransom Memorial Hospital as a dietitian for over 20 years. Her co-workers and the patients enjoyed when she worked because the food was tasty and always made with love.
Ann was united in marriage to Alan Maxwell in 1985. The two shared many years of laughter and love. He preceded her in death.
Ann owned and operated Ann’s Flower Shop from 1997 until her retirement in 2007. She was known for having an eye for detail on all her flower arrangements and each were a source of beauty for all admirers. Ann had a way with flowers. She took to each seed and bulb and patiently waited for it to grow and blossom into something beautiful. Her family will remember her tending to her garden with a tender hand.
During Ann’s retirement she had many hobbies and activities which brought her great joy. Ann loved to read and was known for having a book near her rocking chair and on her nightstand.
She enjoyed making baked goods for others and it was one of her signature ways to tell someone they were loved. Ann loved to sew and quilt. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ann made approximately 500 masks and donated them to various charities and hospitals.
When Ann’s family or friends would stop by her house for a visit, she would make sure they did not leave before having a good laugh and a tour of her garden.
Ann volunteered at Ransom Memorial Hospital and was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a faithful and devoted Christian.
Ann is survived by her three loving daughters, Cindy Watts of Wellsville, KS, Sue (Greg) Nilges of Overbrook, KS, and Mary (Russ) Baise of Wellsville, KS; sister, Ruth Hawkins of Norborne; brother-in-law, Gary Malson of Independence; eight grandchildren, Ryan Watts and Erica (Jake) Herzog, both of Ottawa, KS, Korey (Daniel) Bowden, Jennifer Baise, Abby (Masen) Robertson, and Kaycee (Colton) Westhoff, all of Wellsville, KS, Kristen (Clayton) Culley of Baldwin, KS, and Marla Keith of Lawrence, KS.
In addition, Ann leaves behind her beloved dog George and cat Jackie.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother-in-law, Gary Hawkins; and great-granddaughter, Emberlee Ann Culley.
Ann will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
