Hazel Maxine Peach, of Stockton, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 2, at the age of 95 at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar.
Maxine was born on March 13, 1926, to Russell and Ethyl Bryant in Stockton. She was the ninth of fourteen children. After graduating from Stockton High School, Maxine went to work in Wichita, Kansas, for a short time before returning to Stockton, MO.
Maxine was a faithful member of the Stockton Missionary Baptist Church for many years and attended regularly as long as her health allowed.
Maxine was united in marriage to Drewey Dale Peach on March 3, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kansas. To this union, two children were born, Terry Peach and Tim Peach.
Shortly after their marriage, Dale and Maxine founded Peach Gas Company. They started selling refined fuels and then later added propane to the business. Maxine later worked in the one stop convenience store until 1991.
Maxine was a passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan. She listened to or watched nearly every game and kept box scores while following the games. You learned not to talk when the game was playing, especially if the Cardinals were up to bat. Maxine also greatly enjoyed babysitting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Maxine was an avid baker. Her angel food cake was legendary, and she was hand whipping eggs for the cake into her nineties. That cake helped celebrate many loved ones’ birthdays and other celebrations. She also enjoyed making cookies — especially peanut butter cookies for her children and grandchildren. Maxine enjoyed filling her time with cross stitch projects from small towels to king size quilts. She also spent many hours completing puzzles. She was a firm proponent of keeping her mind busy.
She is survived by son Terry Peach and wife Phillis Peach; son Tim Peach and wife Mary Peach; grandchildren Darrin Peach, Stephnie Peach Measimer, Cindy Gamm, April McLaughlin, Jeff Gamm, Jennifer Duda, Melissa King, Richard Schroeder and Vanessa Williams; 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; siblings Vera Bryant, Opal Gassett, Billy Bryant, Donald Bryant, Mildred (Mick) Walden, Juanita Harris, Russell Bryant, Jr., Thomas Bryant, Willis Bryant, Bobby Bryant, Gene (G.D.) Bryant, Baby Bryant and Lewis Bryant; and grandchildren Kim Peach and Julie Gamm.
The family would like to send our deep appreciation to the Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility for the care they provided to Maxine for the last years of her life. You made a big difference in her life, as well as ours.
The family requests that all flowers are sent to Bland-Brumback Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Gum Springs Cemetery in Stockton.
