Maxine Elizabeth Cox, of Castle Rock, Washington, passed away at home on August 2, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. Early in life, she suffered a massive heart attack and in her later years, she also faced a stroke that affected her ability to read and write, and later lung cancer. In her final days, she passed peacefully at home with the help of in-home hospice care.

Maxine lived a full and hardworking life marked by kindness, resilience, and deep devotion to her family. She graduated in La Jolla, California, in 1949 and went on to attend one year of Business College. In 1950, she married Allen J. Cox Jr. in Long Beach, California, beginning a family life that remained at the center of who she was.

She was a checker at Safeway beginning in 1967 and retired after 21 years of service. Her family remembered with pride that when they moved, she went out and got herself a job at Safeway, reflecting her determination and strong work ethic. She was a woman who met life directly and kept going, no matter what came.

Maxine was known as a very kind and caring person. To her children, she was simply Mama, always there to help and support them, always ready with a kind word, and never judgmental. She never gave up when things were hard. That strength showed especially after her stroke, when she taught herself to read basic paragraphs again and to count so that she could play cards once more. It was never perfect, but she kept trying, and that perseverance was one of the many ways she inspired those around her.

She had a warm and lively spirit that drew people in. A true social butterfly, Maxine was active at the Senior Center, where she helped with activities, fundraising, and flu shots. People loved being around her fun nature. She enjoyed listening to big band music, traveling, reading books, and spending time with others. She loved ducks, music, and the beach. She also found joy in canning and making homemade wine. On Sundays, she loved watching church services on television and learning about God.

Her family will also remember the thoughtful and loving ways she cared for them. She made hand-stitched quilts for each of her children and first grandchildren, gifts that reflected both her skill and her love. She was very proud of her children and all of her grandchildren, and she delighted in seeing the family grow through the generations.

Maxine is survived by her children, Allen Cox III, William Cox, Michael Cox, and Kathryn Chapman. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Larry Cox, Tug Cox, Mendhy Cox, Camille Wilson, Corey Cox, Matthew Chapman, Cody Chapman, and Sage Chapman. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren Danica Sieler, Jackson Cox, Connor Cox, Sean Johansen, Aaron Johansen, Delaney Wilson, Liam Wilson, Lily Cox, Aubrey Cox, Hadley Cox, Jacob Chapman, Matisyn Chapman, Sadie Chapman, Jesse Chapman, Wyatt Chapman, Bradyn Chapman, and Kinsley Chapman. She was deeply loved by her family, and her steady encouragement, generous heart, and enduring example will remain with them always.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Florence Dietrich; her father, Ernst Dietrich; her husband, Allen Cox Jr.; her son, Steven Cox; and her sister, Margaret Peshel.

Maxine Elizabeth Cox will be remembered for her kindness, her cheerful and social nature, her perseverance, and the love she gave so freely to her family and to those around her. Her life was one of quiet strength, service, and care, and her memory will be treasured.