Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

Maxine Farr White

1931-2019

Maxine Farr White, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, led a life filled with immeasurable charity, love, and service. On the morning of January 25, 2019, she peacefully returned home. Her tireless service and nurturing nature were boundless—she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Maxine was born on March 20, 1931 in Pleasant Grove, Utah to Halvan Heber Farr and Lula Grace Blair. She spent her early childhood in Pleasant Grove and Provo, living with her grandparents until a new home in Provo was built. Later, to support a large extended family, their new home was sold and the family moved to a dairy farm on West Mountain in Payson, Utah.

Upon moving to Payson, Gilbert White, Jr., a seventh grader at Payson Junior High, spotted Maxine, a sixth grader, and their lifelong friendship commenced. In 1950, Maxine graduated as valedictorian from Payson High School, and on January 8, 1951, she and Gilbert were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. Their relationship was a beacon of authentic love, friendship, and respect to all around them. Maxine’s patience and resilience were also defining characteristics throughout her life as she gracefully faced unexpected trials.

Maxine and Gilbert raised their family in a historic Payson home, where they resided for 62 of their 68 years of marriage. The mother of seven children, Maxine had 66 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren, and tirelessly demonstrated love for each of them on an individual basis. She leaves a legacy of one-on-one care and compassion that will be cherished for generations.

Maxine was extraordinarily talented and applied her gifts in art, music, theatre, literature, and design throughout her life. She infused her unique eye for beauty and love into all of her labors, sharing indiscriminately with those around her. She was known for her melodious singing voice, and frequently performed at funerals and community events. Maxine and Gilbert maintained an immaculate yard and garden throughout their lives that provided a beautiful sanctuary for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for decades.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Maxine served in numerous capacities such as young women president, relief society president, stake relief society president, counsellor, musician, teacher, visiting teacher, bishop’s wife, and stake patriarch’s wife. She openly shared her vibrant testimony and love for the gospel with her friends and family.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Halvan Heber Farr and Lula Grace Blair; Clela, sister; Darell Barnett, brother-in-law; Larry, brother; Georgette Bremond, daughter-in-law; Spencer Stephen Hales, grandson; Stephen A. Hales, son-in-law; and Juliette Olea Mathis, great granddaughter.

Maxine is survived by her loving husband Gilbert White, Jr., Payson, Utah; children: Dru (Maeva) Salt Lake City, Utah; Rhett (Carrie) Washington, Utah; Wyn (John Howden) Payson, Utah; Codi (Wanda) Vernal, Utah; Calli, Provo, Utah; Wayd (Vicki) St. George, Utah; Shae (Kevin Clark) Elk Ridge, Utah; and her siblings Steven (Kathy) Payson, Utah; Nedra (Jay Taylor) Farmington, Utah; and Elaine, sister-in-law, Payson, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 30th at 11 a.m., at the Mountain View Stake Center, 75 South 600 East in Payson. A viewing will be held before the service from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. A viewing will also be held on Tuesday, January 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 587 South 100 West, Payson. Interment will take place at the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah. Condolences may be sent online at www.walkerspanishfork.com.

Members of Maxine’s family wish to express their deep appreciation to all who have been so gracious, kind and supportive at this time.