Maxine Mae Lenart

Maxine M. Lenart was born Jan.10, 1923, the youngest of three children, to Clarence W. Smith and Josiephine Richardson Smith. She attended school at Springfield, as well as living her entire life here. On May 8, 1950, Maxine began her career with the ASCS-USDA. She worked her way up to County Executive Director. She loved her work with all the farmers and ranchers in the Baca County area. She retired from ASCS on Oct. 31, 1980. In Aug. of 1975, Maxine married Joseph Lenart and the two of them took Kyann with them on their honeymoon. They toured the New Mexico area but had to stay at hotels that had a swimming pool for Kyann. After retirement, fishing trips were a big part of their lives. Maxine would load the RV with all the necessities and Joseph would get all the fishing gear together. They would eat the catch of the day and tell the best fishing stories. Maxine had a passion for music and would play the piano and sing for hours. Maxine cared for people and showed it in many different ways. She would write letters and send packages to the military. In the course of this she ended up with several pen pals. She would purchase about every stuffed animal that Duckwalls/Alco had and take them to the nursing home to share with the residents there, as well as anyone else in town that was ailing or just needed a pick me up. After Joseph’s death, Maxine adopted the Longhorn Steakhouse as her home away from home. She enjoyed the companionship of the employees and customers. She ate most of her meals there and they had set a special table for her and her many trinkets. If you couldn’t find Maxine at home you were sure to find her at the Longhorn. Due to failing health, Maxine became a resident of the Southeast Colorado LTC in late 2007. It was difficult for her to be pampered because she had always been the caring one. She passed away December 21, 2015, at the age of 92. She will be sadly missed by her many friends. Maxine is survived by her half-brothers Silver F. Smith of Prather, California, and Jonathan W. Smith of Salem, New Hampshire, Nephew Tim Smith of New Hope Pennsylvania, close family friends Bill and Vickie McEndree of Springfield CO, Kyann and Jason Orvis and family of Fort Morgan CO, and Gil and Sarah McEndree and family of Worland WY. Maxine is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Josiephine Smith, Husband Joseph Lenart, Sister Flosie Miller, Brother David Smith, Niece Deloris Dittemore, and Nephew Dennis Smith. Funeral Service for Maxine was held on Wednesday December 23, 2015- 2:00 PM at Maltbie Funeral Services-265 West 8th Ave. Springfield, CO. with Pastor Ervin Maltbie officiating. Burial took place in the Springfield Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Southeast Colorado Long Term Care Center of Springfield in memory of Maxine.