Maxine L. Reed

Celebration of Life Service for Maxine L. Reed will be held on Friday, July 17, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastors Paul Bauman and Murray Jones officiating.  Maxine's service will be live-streamed via Trinity Evangelical Free Church's Facebook page:  Trinity Church Holdrege . A private family graveside service will be held at the Moses Hill Cemetery in rural Phelps County, Nebraska prior to the service.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed.  The Reed family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Maxine's services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.

Maxine Lois Reed, 88 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2020, at Holdrege Memorial Homes.  Maxine was born October 19, 1931, on the family farm in Gosper County between Arapahoe and Elwood, Nebraska.  Maxine was the third of five children to Charlie and Iva (ten Bensel) Murdoch.  She received her primary education from the Carter School in Harlan County through the eighth grade and then attended Mascot High School for ninth grade before transferring to Oxford High School, graduating with the class of 1949.

Maxine was accepted as a student to attend Nursing School in Rochester, Minnesota, yet due to financial constraints she was unable to complete her dream.  Maxine then accepted a position with the Brewster Hospital in Holdrege in June of 1949 as a nurse's aide.

While in Holdrege, she met Doran D. Reed, and the couple were united in marriage on March 27, 1951.  To this union six children were born: Berneil, Kathleen, Jerrold, Doyle, Becky and Douglas.  The family made their home on the farm north of Holdrege, where Maxine worked side-by-side with Doran on the farm and lovingly focused her efforts on raising their children.  In 1981, the couple moved into town.

Maxine was a faithful member of Holcomb Evangelical Free Church while on the farm north of Holdrege and then Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege after moving into town.  Maxine had a special love for children.  She would also bake angel food cakes for new mothers and visit them in their homes.  She loved her garden, flower beds, and her birds.  She also used her talents to make quilts for her family and a variety of people's needs and celebrations.  Her basement was her "factory" where she always seemed to have another quilt in process.

Maxine accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a Bible camp near Lexington, Nebraska. Through the years she developed a deep love for her Lord and Savior, and she touched many peoples' lives. She knew that this wasn't her home, and that she was just passing through.  Maxine loved reaching out to others in quiet ways that helped make a difference in their lives.  She visited the elderly in their homes, and also delivered them food and tapes of church sermons for several years.  Maxine also volunteered at both Holdrege Memorial Homes and Christian Homes Care Community.  When they moved to Holdrege, Maxine found her spot at Trinity Childcare for many years helping little ones and being an encouragement to their parents.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her joy.  She loved having them stop at her home and eat their lunch during school days.  Maxine also found great joy attending their sporting events, music programs, and other activities.  On March 18, 2003, she was preceded in death by her husband, Doran.

The most important desire in Maxine's life was to share her love for Jesus, her Lord and Savior.  She reflected his love daily as she walked her life out on this earth.  She knew that she was held by her Lord and that He would be with her, no matter what.  On November 2, 2016, Maxine suffered a stroke that changed her address to Holdrege Memorial Homes.  She continued to trust Him with her life.  Her contentment was evident.

Besides her husband and parents; Maxine was preceded in death by brothers:  Floyd Murdoch and his wife, Marie; and Paul Murdoch; brothers-in-law:  Vernon "Pat" Carlson; Bruce Reed and his first wife, Beth; Ken Allen; and Ozzie Purdy.

She leaves to celebrate her life; her six children:  Bernie Reed and his wife, Bonnie of Holdrege; Kathy Boe and her husband, Dan of Grand Junction, Colorado; Jerrold Reed; Doyle Reed and his wife, Cheryl; Becky Ehrenberg and her husband, Dirk and Doug Reed and his wife, Jill all of Holdrege; fifteen grandchildren: Janelle Reed; Rylan Reed; Laura Ottley and her husband, Trey; Derick Boe; Dara Boe; Logan Reed; Jessica Reed; Landon Reed; Austin Bliss and his wife, Karlee; Connor Bliss and his wife, Courtney; Nicole Bliss; Garrett Ehrenberg; Kate Reed and her fiancé, Eli Badje; Sydney Reed; and Hudson Reed; three great-grandchildren: Aspen and Owen Ottley; and Xander Bliss; sister, Cleo Purdy of Mission Viejo, California; brother, Dale Murdoch and his wife, Betty of Holdrege; sisters-in-law:  Dora Lee Carlson of Holdrege; Beverly Davison and her husband, Duane of Funk, Nebraska; Bonnie Reed of Hudson, Colorado; and Ardyce Murdoch of Cheyenne, Wyoming and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation for Maxine will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Maxine's honor, and kindly suggested to the Trinity Childcare; Holdrege Memorial Homes or to the Christian Homes Care Community.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.