Elsie Maxine (Case) Boyer

Elsie “Maxine” (Case) Boyer, of Wichita, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at the age of 97. Elsie was born September 12, 1924 in Dacoma, Woods County, Oklahoma to Leda A. Case and Charlie C. Case.

Maxine was a quiet, private and self-aware woman whose biggest joy was her family. Born on her own mother’s birthday, the two were especially close.

Maxine grew up on a farm in Woods County and her brother Arlo introduced her to Marvin Boyer when she was still in high school. Little sister Patricia tells of the time that Maxine brought Marvin home for the first time. He gave Patricia a small toy colt and she was immediately smitten; he had her immediate approval. From then on, Pat says she couldn’t think about one without the other. Maxine and Marvin were married at the of the Kingman Methodist Church just days after she graduated from Lambert (OK) High School. The couple lived in the Alva, Oklahoma area where son Lee was born in 1946. They moved to Wichita in 1950; daughter Kris was born in 1955. Maxine hosted many extended family gatherings in the house on Rose Marie and loved having the house full.

Maxine was a devoted homemaker and gardener. Her house was spotless and her gardens always beautiful and well-tended (many of her irises still thrive). She sewed clothing for Kris including several sets of matching mother/daughter dresses. Maxine especially loved cooking and was famous for her desserts - coconut cream and mincemeat pies being her favorites. Each fall, Maxine and Marvin would gather the ingredients and spend hours making real mincemeat for the coming holiday season’s pies. Her Red Velvet Waldorf Astoria Cake (with cooked icing) and Four-Layer Dessert were also highly requested.

Maxine was happiest when caring for her siblings, husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Brother Charles shares that Maxine was 10 years old when he was born and she was charged with his care. And care for him she did…at home and at school! After Maxine and Marvin were married, Charles would stay with them on the farm they rented and loved riding Marvin’s horse. When they moved to Wichita, he lived with them until he got married. “I’ll love my Elsie Maxine forever.”

In 1965, Maxine took a job with USD 259 as a cafeteria worker at Jardine Junior High School where her job was making pastries: bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and cakes. It wasn’t until she retired in 1991 that she shared the secret ingredient in the bread dough. Believe it or not, those mouth-watering cinnamon rolls had mashed navy beans in them!

After retirement, Maxine took up crochet to keep herself busy when it was too cold to be outside. As a result her kids, grandkids, siblings, and many friends and relatives received their very own hand-crafted afghan made with Red Heart Yarn.

Sometimes a trail-blazer, Maxine had one of the first microwave ovens manufactured and used it extensively. (Did you know if you warm your biscuits in the microwave before baking them they come out higher and fluffier? Maxine did!) Grandchildren still share memories of the truly tasty Thanksgiving fare that came from Grandma’s microwave oven.

Maxine was a good friend to many and loved to talk on the telephone. She had long conversations with friends from the Keystone Sunday School Class at Grace Methodist Church and frequently talked to her siblings and neighbors. Even during her decline, she loved a good phone call and Lee and Kris appreciate everyone who were so faithful to chat with her especially over the last few years.

Maxine and Marvin loved to travel and camp, most often with Maxine’s siblings Belva Wheeler, and Verlie Case and their families. When Lee and Kris were young, it was tent camping, then a pop-up camper, later a beautiful 5th-wheel trailer, and ultimately a Minnie Winnie motor home (complete with microwave oven) was their home away from home as they made trips across the country. The grandkids loved camping with Grandma and Grandpa, too! On one particular trip, Verl, recalls that they decided to stop at Big Brutus in SE Kansas. He says, “There was no stopping her, she just had to climb to the very top with her fearless spirit intact. She was awesome.”

In 1988, Maxine was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the removal of which was predicted to leave her unable to walk. In true Maxine fashion, she did hours and hours of PT and walked for many more years. That dogged determination demonstrated first-hand the power of persistence for her children and grandchildren.

In 2006, Maxine realized her memory was fading and sought out treatment for the dementia that would change the course of her life. She and Marvin worked together to make the household run until his passing in 2009. At that time, she could not stay alone and moved into a community setting, where she thrived for many years. She loved visits from family and friends, and her ugly dog Chloe (whom Maxine called “Miss America). She kept her quick wit and sense of humor and always had a positive outlook.

On December 5, 2021, Maxine was admitted to the hospital, then later moved to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. There her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family were able to shower her one last time the love that she generously devoted her life to lavishing on us. On the evening of December 7, she quietly exhaled for the last time and let her spirit soar…..

Maxine is survived by her son Lee Boyer (Lynn); daughter Kris Wheatley (Dave); brothers Charles Case and Verlie Case (Von); sister Patricia Bates; grandchildren Tonya L. Younie (Scott), Carmen L. Boyer (Jaimie Gunderson), Amanda L. Alessi (Jeremy), Lindsey Philbrick (Ryan), Kyle Wheatley; great grandchildren Adam, Megan, Sylvie, Grace, Gloria, Adrianne and Emery.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Marvin R. Boyer; father Charlie C. Case; mother Leda A. Case; brother Arlo Case; sisters Odessa Strenge and Belva Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Maxine's memory may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S Market St, Wichita, Kansas 67202 US, https://www.hynesmemorial.org/donate/.

A private family service will be held for Elsie.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MyLakeviewFuneralHome.com for the Boyer family.