Mary Maxine King (96),  a resident of Madera since 1966, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Cedar Creek Retirement Community, where she had lived most recently.  

Mary was born to Clyde and Bessie Johnson on September 12, 1927, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She grew up in Missouri but also lived in Charleston, SC, and graduated from Vallejo High School in Vallejo, CA, in 1945. She attended Missouri State Teachers College, where she received her Teachers' Certification and went on to teach in a one-room schoolhouse in Missouri.

In 1962, Mary and her husband, Don, moved their family to Salinas, CA. In 1966, the family moved to Madera, CA, where Mary lived until her passing. In Madera, Mary managed a fabric store and later worked as the secretary of attendance at Madera High School.
  
After retirement, Mary became involved in the Heart of California Quilters Guild and was a founding member of the Bakers Dozen friendship group and the Sew n' Sew quilt group. Mary always had a passion for reading and travel.  Don and Mary traveled to 48 states in their motorhome and enjoyed tailgating at the 49ers games.  Mary also had the opportunity to travel to Japan and Europe.  No matter how much she travels, she is always happy to return home with her family.  

In notes taken from her writings, she expressed her appreciation for her life's journey. "I've had a long life full of happiness, family, friends.  What I leave behind, my legacy, are my four children and their families.  I instilled in them from cradle up honesty, friendship, leadership, and respect.  Go forth and live a good life in remembrance of me. This journey of life has been amazingly remarkable for me.  I could wish no more for this simple girl, wife, and mother."

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Don G. King, in 2003, her brother Clyde Jr., and her sister Shirley Austin. Mary leaves behind four children: Steve (Nadine), King of Madera, CA; Knial (Curtiss) King of Clovis, CA; Jennifer (Doug), Clute of Eagle ID; and Angela (Trent) Twitero of Lake McQueeny, TX. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be at Jay Chapel on Sunday, August 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Services will be held at Jay Chapel on Monday, August 12, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Madera Historical Society.