Maxine Frances Stuart

Maxine Frances Conley Stuart, 90, formerly of Cove, died Saturday March 14 in La Grande.

A service will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 18 at Daniels~Knopp, Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. Committal and interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery. Friends may call for viewing between 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday at Daniels~Knopp.

Maxine was born on December 2, 1918 in Cove, the daughter of J.F. and Sarah (Gray) Conley. She attended Shanghai, a one-room grade school, and graduated from La Grande High School with the class of 1936. She graduated from Stephens College in Missouri and the University of Washington.

Maxine was from true pioneer stock. She was the last surviving granddaughter of A.B. Conley who was known as the "Wheat King" of northeast Oregon. Her father J.F. Conley came to Oregon with a wagon train when he was 9 years old, arriving in Union County in 1874. Maxine lived most of her life on the home place in Cove, built by her parents in 1901. Conley Farms is a Century Farm and has been operated by the family for over 115 years.

Maxine was married to Eugene Winters and Dr. Robert Stuart, both marriages ended in divorce.

Maxine especially loved her home and family. She would often reminisce about the large family gatherings and picnics with the Gray, Miller, Jasper and Conley families. She also enjoyed reading, playing bridge and watching sports on TV. In her later years she enjoyed traveling a lot.

Maxine was very active in Eastern Star and was a life member of Cherry Chapter #177 in Cove. She belonged to the Daughters of the Nile, and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.

She is survived by a niece, Mary Jane (DeeWayne "Sonny") Johnson, of Cove, great-niece, Darcy Johnson, great-nephew, Colby (Hannah) Johnson, and a great-great-niece, Lorissa Johnson, all of Cove. She was preceded in death by her sister, Vina Ross and her brothers, Grant, Merrell and Virgil Conley; and a nephew, Frank Conley.

Friends who wish may make contributions in memory of Maxine to the Shriners' Hospital for Children, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3009.

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