Maxine Ray Steiner, age 98, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024 at the Emerald Grove facility in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by family. She was born on September 11, 1925, in Gilbert, Arizona, to Sims Flood and Nellie Ellsworth Ray. She was the cherished wife of Boyd E. Steiner, who preceded her in death in 2013. Together they shared a deep bond and raised a loving family. Maxine is survived by her children Sherry Gillespie (Paul), Mike Steiner (Cara), Doug Steiner (Patty), Christine Montgomery (Kent), and Kelli Reed (Steve). (Deceased: David Steiner and Rae Lynne Donkin.)
Maxine was a devoted grandmother to 37 grandchildren, 106 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Raised in Mesa, Arizona, she was known for her love of sports, sewing, politics, and family, especially her grandchildren.
She married the love of her life, Boyd E. Steiner, on January 1, 1945. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 5, 1945. They then embarked on their journey of raising seven children.
Maxine was a pillar of strength in her community. She was actively involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having been baptized on September 30, 1933.
Maxine Ray Steiner was a pioneer in her own right, with an unwavering love for God and family. Her legacy of service, resilience, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Viewing: 6/13/2024
Bunker Mortuary
33 N. Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
From 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral Service: 6/14/2024
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3344 E. McDowell Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85213
Viewing from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m.
Service begins at 9 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97034209717
Grandma, you touched my life in so many ways. I will always love and admire you and only hope I can live half the life you did. I love you so much Grandma!
Her legacy of love, caring, and faith is evident in the wonderful family she raised!
My dear sweet Aunt Max. You are missed every day. You set a high bar of faithfulness to the Lord. I hope that your legacy will live on in the lives of those who knew you. Thanks for being you!!! Love you.
A whole lot of memories filled my mind as I lay in bed and reminisced the many times we shared with Maxine and Boyd thanks to pictures that reminded me of them first of when I was living with grandma Ray and mother while dad was in the war therefore Maxine took care of me a lot. Our cabin days in Pine together brought so much fun playing the piano with Boyd dancing and listening to his accordion music visiting with Maxine and Card. we would drive up to the rimin the back of his pick up, looking for deer and singing at the top of our lungs 21 bottles of pop on the wall. There was Fourth of July celebrations in Pine and all the pine dances that Maxine would be there and watched the teenagers dance. Then we have the Ray get-together and reunions and especially at Christmas time, when my mother and father opened up their home to all the rays after Christmas day. We ate and laughed and played many games. Maxine and grandma were there at my dad‘s house to meet LeeRen as he drove into Mesa for the first time. I remember when uncle Boyd once came to Weiser and surprised LeeRen and I , and our little family. He was returning from Lynn’s house I think anyway he caught a lot of fish and had such a good time with him. I love the paintings of Boyd and Maxine encouraged him on – a gifted man he was and what a sweet aunt she was. I am so glad he married , my aunt Maxine what a fun room for me in Idaho to have his paintings in Idaho where I have hung up Boyd paintings. We’ve had quit visits with Maxine. She’s kept me in touch when I didn’t know what was going on in Mesa. I’m so thankful for it. I can’t forget all the weddings they attended even mine , I remember them standing there throwing rice as I got into my car. Maxine and Boyd were one of the first to respond by mail to our Brandon and Tamra who lost their kids three of them. They gave them words of love and special articles to read they had lost Dave and Lynn and had a lot of empathy to give. It is a sweet thought to think of them together with , all of the Rays- uncles grandpa’s grandmas what a reunion. death is sweet in that way and we are missing such a welcoming party. Thank you for the joy Maxine you brought into my life and into my families. The little they knew you they remember because of what LeeRen and I have reminisced through those golden years with you , we love you, Maxine.
Love Beverly.
So grateful meeting you.
Sincere Condolences, to your wonderful family.