Maxine B. VanDonge, 95, of Holton, KS, passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Medicalodge Jackson County. She was born August 17, 1923 in America City, KS, the daughter of Lewis and Bertha (Nichols) Sumner.

Maxine attended Anderson and Bucks Grove Country Schools. She graduated from Soldier High School in 1941. Maxine was a homemaker and farmwife.

She was a member of Soldier Christian Church.

Maxine married LaVerne E. VanDonge on August 17, 1941 at her parent’s home in Soldier. He preceded her in death on November 7, 1988; after 47 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Robert E. VanDonge and Donald V. VanDonge; 4 sisters, Gertrude Staehli, Sue Curtis, Betty Sackrider and Ruth Allen; 3 brothers, Robert, Harlen Sumner and Russell Sumner and a grandson, Kelly VanDonge.

Survivors include 2 sons, Larry L. VanDonge (Linda) of Soldier, KS and Ronald D. VanDonge (Becky) of Ozawkie, KS; 2 daughters-in-law; Katherine VanDonge of Redding, CA and Nancy VanDonge of Soldier, KS; 11 grandchildren; Kristi Suarez (Gus), Kerri Smith (Garry), Karla Tanking (Andy), Kevin VanDonge (Shelly), Kim Ganoe (Corey), Timothy VanDonge (Kristan), Ted VanDonge (Melissa), David VanDonge (Rachel), Dan VanDonge (Angie), Cory VanDonge, Kolby VanDonge (Angie); 1 step-grandchild; Patrick Isbell; 28 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Friends of Hospice or Soldier Christian Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.