Maxine R Wortley

Maxine Ruth (Bates) Wortley - also lovingly known as Mick - was born October 14, 1927, to Arthur and Lenna (Wagner) Bates, farmers in Woodland, Michigan. She passed peacefully into heaven on Sunday, June 9, 2024, surrounded by her children amidst a beautiful blue sky, gentle breeze, and a cardinal outside her window.

The first word that comes to mind when we think of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt is love. She loved deeply and loudly, not just in words but also in actions - cooking and baking, keeping a meticulous and welcoming home, crafting homemade gifts, making others laugh with her pranks, visiting the homebound when they were sick, listening and sharing wisdom without judgement, and being a dedicated prayer warrior. Family and friends never wondered how Maxine felt about them, and she was quick to apologize if she ever thought she hurt you.

Her deepest love was bestowed upon her husband. Maxine and Gailen started dating in 1944, married in 1947, raised five children, and celebrated 76 years of marriage with God at the center. Their plan was to walk hand in hand into heaven. Gailen passed away four months ahead of Maxine - so close to the plan!

With a love of children, Maxine devoted her professional life to teaching. She attended North Central College in Napierville, Illinois, and then transferred to Western Michigan University to be closer to Gailen. In the 1940s, her two-year post-secondary education made her eligible to teach school.

Maxine’s first teaching job was at the one-room Gunnisonville Schoolhouse, still standing today near Dewitt, Michigan. Her stories of that school year highlighted Gailen driving her in the morning from their home in Lansing and starting the coal-burning fireplace before he continued onto work at Michigan State College. He then picked her up on his way home at the end of the day, after she had graded papers.

Her next job was to be teaching first grade at Dewitt Elementary School beginning in 1948. Soon after accepting the position, she found out she was pregnant and chose to stay home to start her family with Gailen. For the next 18 years she devoted her time to caring for their children. Being a mother was her ultimate goal and joy. In 1967, as the kids were getting older, Maxine went back to work, teaching preschool and ultimately becoming co-director of Pennway Cooperative Preschool in Lansing, a job she devoted herself to for 26 years until her retirement in 1993. Maxine truly had a special connection with children.

Maxine and Gailen were blessed to enjoy more than 30 years of retirement together. They traveled the United States, Europe, and even the Middle East, making countless friends along the way. They frequented craft shows to get ideas for their next projects. They attended Michigan State University basketball, hockey, and football games to cheer on the Spartans. They led bible studies. And they doted on their grandchildren, attending every school and sporting event imaginable, hosting sleepovers, and often serving as “day care.”

Maxine also enjoyed her lifelong passions of reading (oh, so many books!) and playing the piano and organ. She served as pianist and organist at United Brethren Church followed by Pennway Church of God in Lansing, where she also played for many weddings and funerals.

Together, Maxine and Gailen lived a long, healthy, beautiful life devoted to faith, family, and friendship.

Maxine is preceded in death by her husband, Gailen (January 2024); sister, Elaine (Bates) Richard; parents; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her sister, Dorothy (Bates) Bickert; five children, Kathy (Lars) Andersen, Jay/Warren (Mary) Wortley, Greg (Amy) Wortley, Karen (John) Kleinert, and Dana Lawrence; 15 grandchildren, Jeremy Andersen, Erin Sisty (Josh Wright), Abby (Darren) Brown, Marisa (Dan) Gardner, Emily (Jared) Kimber, Grant Wortley, Katelyn Hanna-Wortley (John Gilpatrick), William Wortley, Jairus Kleinert, Anna (CJ) Veverka, Jonathan Kleinert, Ben Kleinert, Evan Hughes, Alec Hughes, and Peyton Hughes; soon to be 12 great-grandsons; nephews Jeff Bickert, Duane Schaibly, Ron Wortley, David Wortley, LeRoy Wortley, and Melvin Wortley; niece Debbie Quisenberry; and great-nephews and great-nieces.

A funeral will be held at Pennway Church of God (1101 East Cavanagh, Lansing, MI 48910) on Saturday, June 15, at 11 am. Visitation will be on Friday, June 14, 5-8 pm, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home (1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823), and on June 15, 10-11 am, prior to the funeral.

Words cannot express how grateful our family is to the staff at Great Lakes Christian Home in Holt, Holt Senior Care & Rehab Center, and Careline Hospice for their compassion and care. They are truly special people who made Maxine’s final years and days enjoyable and comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pennway Church of God and Alzheimer’s Association.