Maxine Bauman, 89, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Her husband Ken was by her side at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, KS where they’ve resided the past 5 years. Maxine was born July 8, 1931 in Everest, KS.  She was one of 3 children born to Frank and Edna Merkel. After leaving farm life the family moved to Robinson, KS. Maxine graduated from Robinson High School in 1948. On February 18, 1950 she married Kenneth Bauman.

For over 70 years, Ken and Maxine were a team!  They were best friends supporting and loving each other.  Maxine maintained an immaculate home no matter where they lived and enjoyed decorating for every holiday.  She had a bottomless cookie jar with homemade cookies, raised 2 children, and as her children got older worked outside the home.

As Ken’s career with Union Pacific Railroad progressed, Maxine move several to several homes across Kansas including Seneca, Hays, Lawrence, and Topeka.

While living in Seneca, Maxine became an Assistant Librarian at the Seneca Public Library and taught Sunday school for the youngest children at the United Methodist Church Sunday mornings. One of her great joys was caring for babies at church and in her family.  In Lawrence, she worked for Rusty’s IGA in various positions. Maxine and Ken were active members at the Lowman Methodist Church in Topeka. She worked at Fleming Place and the gift shop at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka as a volunteer for the Women’s Auxiliary.

In later years, Maxine and Ken travelled across the United States with friends and as members of the Railroad Employee’s Club 4 in Kansas City/Topeka.  Later they became members of Club 28 in Marysville, KS.  For many years, Maxine was a member of Eastern Star.

In addition to Ken, Maxine is survived by her children Cheryl Schinze and Robert Bauman (Janet) Lawrence.  Grandchildren:  Anthony Schinze, Natalie Schinze, Chad Bauman, and Debi Bauman Cramer Great-Grandchilden:  Skyler Bauman, Mia Christiansen, and Mekenze Christiansen.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, sister Thelma Morrison, and brother Le Roy Merkel.

Private family services will be held this week thru Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.  Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Those wanting to leave a remembrance may do so at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com