Maxine Erma Lehner Sickles, age 81, of Jordan, Montana passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012 at her home in Jordan.
Maxine was born March 29, 1931 in Jordan, Montana, the daughter of Max and Mary (Mull) Lehner. She received her elementary education in a country school in Garfield County and graduated from Garfield County High School in 1949. Maxine then attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana where she received her Registered Nursing Degree. She then worked at the Sheridan County Hospital and then returned to Jordan where she worked at the Garfield County Hospital, first under Dr. Farrand serving as an R.N., Director of Nurses, and also as Administrator for the hospital. Her nursing career spanned close to 50 years and included going on many ambulance calls, for which she received a plaque for 38 years of dedicated service. Those who worked with Maxine at the hospital recall with respect that she worked very hard right beside them.
Maxine enjoyed her family and spending time at the lake. She was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, and was an accomplished seamstress, and loved to crochet and knit.
Preceding Maxine in death were her parents, her siblings: Bobby Lehner, Evelyn and Carl Hinther, Ervin Lehner, Clara and Glen Brown and special friend Charlie Jessen. She is survived by sons Richard (Glenda) of Winnett; and Michael (Bernadette) of Sidney; grandchildren David (Nycole) of Circle; Michelle (Pete) of Sidney; Casey of San Diego; and Lisa of Williston, North Dakota; step-grandchildren Kerry (John) Stoican; and Erin Wiggins; and step great granddaughters Audrey and Amber Stoican; sister-in-law Rose Lehner; and many nieces and nephews.
Thanks to special friends Penny, Elaine, Nikki, Ruth, Marion, Darlene, and the nurses at the health center. A special thank you to Mike and Noreen McKeever and Dr. Dan. The family deeply appreciates all of your kindnesses.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Lillian Loomis says
Maxine was a wonderful lady of whom I admire very much. I worked with her at the Health Center and she was a very caring and dedicated nurse as well as friend.She was there when my babies were born and cared for them as well as me. She will be greatly missed by all of Jordan I know!
Terri Jessen says
What a great lady Maxine was, she gave her heart and soul to the people she cared about, including the patients she took care of for years. When I went to work at the clinic in Jordan in 1992 she gave me a lot of words of advise and I still carry that with me today. May her family find peace that she is now letting God take care of her after all her years of taking care of others.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Maxine was a wonderful person and a great nurse. I worked at Garfield County hospital for several years starting as a tray girl, and then a nurses aid before I went to nurses training. Maxine was always kind and took a lot of time with the patients. She was also good to the staff and fun to work with. My condolences go out to her sons and her family. God Bless.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
What a wonderful nurse Maxine was. So enjoyed her when she worked at the hospital. Our deepset sympathy on your loss.
Wanda Holmlund says
Maxine was a great friend to my Uncle Charles (Jessen) and very kind to his entire family. She was outstanding in her care of others and the true essence of what a nurse should be.
Cathy Byron says
We watched her parent two little boys. We were encouraged by her touch and her words. We will miss her greatly.
The following Nightingale Tribute to a Nurse describes Maxine:
SHE WAS THERE
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed,
She was there.
In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life,
She was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained,
She was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and a sharp mind,
She was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed,
She was there.
In choosing the best one from a family “Thank You” box of chocolates,
She was there.
To witness humanity-its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment,
She was there.
To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope,
She was there.
And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side,
She is there.
Copyright: Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN
Kistia Johnson-Golie says
I worked with Maxine as a Dietary aide and Nurses aide while I was in highschool. I learned a great deal about compassion,patience and hard work ethic from her. Maxine had a wonderful quirky sense of humor that I always enjoyed. Working with Maxine ment a great deal for someone of my age back then. The Garfield County Community will miss her dearly! Sending thoughts of comfort to her family during this difficult time.
sonja turner says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Maxine was a pillar or our community and will be greatly missed. She was a great person and did so much for all of us.
Luann Pluhar says
I too, as one of many who worked with Maxine (in the ’90’s) at the Health Center. She was patient and kind and ended up to be a good friend. I will never forget her and her wisdom. Thank you Maxine for being there for all of us.
Elayne Hinther says
Our family will also be thankful for the special friendship Maxine had with Dad. We know that Dad brought a lot of happiness to Maxine also.
Thank you Maxine for the friendship you had with our family.
Deanna Murnion says
Maxine was a Wonderful person.I enjoyed working with her at the Health Center.
Gloria Rath Milroy says
Most heartfelt sympathies to Maxine’s family and loved ones. When I was having my babies or had family in the hospital I always felt very secure when I knew Maxine was on the floor. She will be missed very much. Rest in peace dear lady.
Janet Clark says
So sorry for the loss of Maxine, I worked under Maxine for about 14 years and she was one of the best directors of nursing I’ve had. I felt very lucky to work for her. My sympathies to the family.
Caryl Semmler says
Maxine was my stepmother for awhile when I was in about 7th grade. She was so nice, and knitted me a red sweater that I have taken with me as we moved around the country. I have not seen her or sons Richard and Mike in about 45 years, but would enjoy hearing from the “boys” .