Hannah L. Maxwell

Hannah L. Maxwell, 87, of Benton Harbor, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020 at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dawn Oldenburg officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Hannah’s name may be made to Scottdale United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Those wishing to sign Hannah’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Hannah was born January 9, 1933 in Waynoka, Oklahoma to William & Susie Bell (Howell) Funk. On September 1, 1956 she married James W. Maxwell in Turner, Kansas. In 1959, they moved to Benton Harbor and Hannah gained employment with Benton Harbor Area Schools as an administrative assistant in the personnel office, a position she held until 1982. Hannah earned her license in cosmetology and operated Maxwell House Hair Salon at her home until 1998. As a member of Peace Temple United Methodist Church, she served as church secretary from 2000 until 2009 when she retired. Hannah was a member of Scottdale United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, and the Morton House Museum. She was the first women president of the Fairplain East PTA in 1968, enjoyed bowling in the Mom Squad Women’s League at Blossom Lanes, and photography with her husband Jim. Hannah is survived by her son Richard of Benton Harbor; her brother Richard Funk of San Angelo, TX; her long-time friend & assistant Marjorie Muirhead of Stevensville; and her beloved feline companion Waldo. She was preceded by her parents, her husband Jim on September 5, 2015, her son David on April 2, 2000, her sister-in-law Dorothy Funk, and her brother and his wife James & Gay Funk.