ASHTON, MAXINE In many ways, Maxine Ashton was a woman before her time. Born in Trinidad, CO on Jan. 16, 1921 to schoolteachers Will and Luna Weller, she was raised with her two brothers in rural eastern CO. Her family eventually moved to a ranch near Wray, CO where Maxine graduated from high school. At the age of 19, following a trend of many others, Maxine moved to the big city of Denver, where she soon joined the Central Christian Church youth group. The Central Christian Church family was an important part of her life from then on. In 1946, she married Russell Ashton, whom she had met through the Central youth group. Maxine and Russ spent their entire 62 year married life in Wheat Ridge, CO raising two children, Diane and Roger. With Diane, Maxine became involved as a Campfire Girl leader, sharing her many creative talents (sewing, knitting and cooking) with her daughter. When Roger joined a Boy Scout ski troop, Maxine pitched in to make sandwiches and hot cocoa for the weekly ski adventures. She also tirelessly tried to teach him to sew and knit ski sweaters-both ventures that didn't take. Cooking and baking lessons were, however well received. As her children got older, Maxine turned her attention to other activities, including reading, travel to Steamboat and Maui, and her avid support of CU and Bronco football. Maxine's love of sewing also led her to help organize the "Quilter's Project" at the CO Christian Home. Maxine approached everything with zeal and creativity. And when grandsons Aaron and Corey Nakai were small, she taught them peach-pit painting, apple picking and jelly-making. For the last two years, great-grandson Ashton Nakai brought great joy to Maxine whenever she was in his company. On Oct 8, 2007 with her family at her side, Maxine peacefully began her journey with the angels at Collier Lutheran Hospice. She is survived by her two brothers, loving husband Russell, children Diane and Roger, daughter-in-law Mary, grandsons Aaron and Corey, grand daughter-in-law Susan, great grandson Ashton, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Visitation Fri 4-6pm, Memorial and Graveside Services Sat 10am Crown Hill 29th and Wadsworth. The family suggests contributions to CO Christian Home, 2950 Tennyson, Denver, CO 80212.

Published in Denver Post on Oct. 11, 2007