Maxine Hankins Garcia
courtesy photo
Maxine Garcia
PABLO – Maxine Hankins Garcia of Pablo, passed away Tuesday morning March 17, 2015, of natural causes. Maxine grew up in Fort Benton and was the eldest of seven children. She received her teaching degree in art and physical education from Western Montana College in Dillon. She later earned her master’s degree in Technology Education from Leslie University.
Maxine married Jim Phillips in 1973 and had three children: Stacey, Lindsay and Dan. Maxine moved around with her family and lived a lot of her first marriage in North Dakota, Montana, Florida, Connecticut and Wisconsin. After her children were grown she moved back to live closer to her parents and family.
Throughout her life she taught in many schools, her most recent being Two Eagle, Ronan Middle School and Salish Kootenai College. Maxine met her husband Lyle “Tony” Anthony Garcia at Two Eagle School where they both worked. She loved dancing so it was only destiny that her first date with Tony was dancing to live music in Polson. Maxine and Tony were married on Feb. 14, 2004. Tony and Maxine loved spending time together especially on their boat in the summer. They frequented their favorite bar Cheers, worked on household projects and RV’d when they could.
Maxine was an accomplished artist in many mediums including painting, pottery, stained glass and sculpture among many others. She also had many talents and interests including gardening, raising chickens, swimming, working in her art studio, sewing and spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved doing art projects with kids and has influenced the lives of many through her art and teaching.
Maxine worked most recently at the Montana Area VI Agency on Aging where she coordinated volunteer opportunities for area senior citizens. She had a zest for life that permeated through anyone that crossed her path. She was a doer, go-getter, hard worker and compassionate person.
Maxine is survived by her husband Lyle Anthony Garcia; children Stacey Phillips, Lindsay Phillips and Daniel Phillips; step children Anthony Garcia and Alicia Kraft. Her mother Barbara Ehnes Hankins; sisters Marlena Nielsen, Joan Rand and Cheryl Patterson; brothers Rodger Hankins, Dale Hankins and John Jr. Hankins and oodles and oodles of nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, friends and extended family also survive her.
Maxine’s father John Hankins preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held in Ronan, on March 19 and Fort Benton, on March 21. Donations in memory of Maxine Hankins Garcia can be made to: Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging, 110 Main Street, Suite 5, Polson, MT 59860.
