Maxine Luckie

1922-2008

             After a blessedly brief illness, Maxine L. Luckie, 85, died in the early morning of  June 12, 2008. She left this life as she had lived the time allotted to her - with quiet dignity and a great inner peace.

            Maxine was born to Mack and Agnes Luckie on October 21, 1922. She was the youngest child of four and her beloved sister, LaVerne Dahl, and her adored brothers, William and Robert Luckie, preceded her in death.

            She had the wonderful experience of growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, primarily in Deadwood and Leeds. She never tired of telling stories of that fabled area and her wonderful, loving family.

            Maxine moved to Billings in 1950 and began working in the food brokerage business. Her brilliant mind helped her rise quickly into an ownership position where her hard work paid off handsomely.

            Maxine was a quiet person - she often described herself as shy. Those who knew her well also knew a wonderful sense of humor, a deep concern for those around her and a continuing quest for knowledge.

            An avid golfer, Maxine was a founding member of the Laurel Golf Club. Even when she was no longer able to actually play golf, she was glued to her television set to watch the major tournaments and reveled in every victory by Tiger Woods. She enjoyed all sports - football, baseball and basketball - and watched games both collegiate and professional. And she didn't just watch - she understood the games and would get deeply involved. A happy moment for her was watching upset victories - especially the Super Bowl, 2008.

            In younger days, she also loved to cross country ski and ice skate. Throughout her life, Maxine was an avid reader and could rip through several books each week. She was a steady visitor to Billings Parmly Library and would check out stacks of books on each visit. In between books, she always worked the crossword puzzles in the Billings Gazette as "mind exercise". The exercise worked as her mind remained sharp and brilliant throughout her 85 years.

            She was a devoted member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church for 58 years. She was also a member of Zonta Club of Billings, Moss Agate Chapter # 126 Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, a life member of Beta Sigma Phi and American Business Women Association where she was named ABWA Woman of the Year, 1964.

            She is survived by her nieces, Jean Marley and Janet Lanphear of Deadwood, SD; her nephew, Donald Luckie, also of Deadwood and her great niece, Alexandra Nasori of Potstown, PA.

            Maxine is also survived by a circle of loving, caring friends. In that circle she will be celebrated as well as missed for many years to come.

            According to her specific instructions, no services will be held. Her ashes will be interred in the family plot in Deadwood, SD at a later date.

            Memorials to honor this amazing, quiet and caring lady may be directed to Big Sky Hospice, 123 South 27th Street, Billings 59101; Billings Parmly Library Foundation, 505 North Broadway, Billings 59101 or the charity of one's choice