Dorothy Maxine (Nelson) Poppen

We gather here today to celebrate and honor the life of a truly remarkable woman, Dorothy Maxine (Nelson) Poppen, who left us at the age of 109 years. Born on February 22, 1916, on the family farm north of Logan, Kansas, she was the daughter of Carl and Bessie Nelson. Maxine's life was one of great strength, resilience, and love.

Maxine was a woman who knew the value of hard work from an early age. She spent her childhood years on the farm, helping her mother with chores and caring for her two younger sisters. While her siblings worked in the fields with their father, Maxine was at home, contributing to the household in any way she could. She attended North Starr Country School, but her journey to education took a pause as she worked in a bakery to support her family.

In her early adulthood, Maxine moved to Craig, Colorado, where she met the love of her life, Alfred Poppen. They were married on December 18, 1936, in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and eventually settled in Alfred's hometown of Downs, Kansas. There, Maxine and Alfred built a life together, raising two daughters, Linda and Wanda, and making a home filled with love and warmth.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Maxine was an active member of her community. She worked at several local businesses, including Rogers Variety Store, Stigge Department Store, and True Family Center. Later, she found joy in volunteering at Carefree Years and the Downs Nursing Center. Her involvement in the Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Downs Senior Center reflected her deep commitment to both her faith and her community.

Maxine's talents were many. She was an extraordinary seamstress, creating beautiful clothes for her daughters and granddaughter. Her crochet work was delicate and stunning—her doilies and tablecloths will always be cherished as beautiful reminders of her craftsmanship. But Maxine's talents extended beyond sewing; she had a love for carpentry and refinished furniture with skill and care. She was, in every sense, a woman who could make something beautiful out of anything, whether it was fabric, wood, or a piece of furniture in need of love.

Maxine was a woman of great strength and independence. She lived in her own home until the age of 98, a testament to her vitality and spirit. Even after moving to the Golden Living Center, she continued to celebrate many birthdays and holidays surrounded by family, always in good health and high spirits.

Maxine's love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life. She is survived by her daughters, Linda (Wilbur) Chartier of Clyde, Kansas, and Wanda (Maurice) Hancock of Downs, Kansas; her granddaughter, Erica (Jeremy) Thompson of Katy, Texas; and her great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Lindy Thompson, also of Katy. Her legacy of love, care, and resilience will live on in all of them.

Maxine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Alfred, her parents Carl and Bessie Nelson, her brother Willard Nelson, and her sisters Bernice Gartin, Doris McWhorter, and infant sister Erma Nelson.

Today, as we remember Maxine, we celebrate the fullness of her life. We remember her strength, her generosity, and the love she gave so freely. We honor her ability to adapt, to love, and to make a difference in the lives of those around her. She leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten—a legacy built on family, community, and a life well-lived.

Maxine's life reminds us all of the importance of perseverance, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the value of caring for others. She may no longer be with us in body, but she will always remain in our hearts.Rest in peace, Maxine. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 16th, at Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, Kansas 67437. Memorials may be made to Downs United Methodist Church or Downs Senior Center.