Martinsville, MO: Laura Maxine McCoy was born near Siloam Springs on May 25, 1925 to William Robert (Rob) and Mabel Marie (Whited) Snead. She left this world behind on January 6, 2021 at her sonâs home near Martinsville with loved ones by her side at the age of 95.
Maxine started school at Pebble Ridge and later moved to Martinsville where she graduated. She was the last surviving member of the class of 1944. A few days after graduation she married Orland Ray McCoy at the home of Reverend O D Hedges. They lived on the farm north of Martinsville and a year later their son Bobbie Ray arrived. She loved farm life and would go out on cold winter nights to check on livestock or deliver baby lambs. Making a living on the farm was hard though so Orland Ray went to the city and worked for Kansas City Power and Light. As soon as possible they found a place for the family and moved all their possessions in the back of a stock truck. Their second son Terry Lee arrived shortly after moving to Parkville. Their third son Gary Lynn made his appearance a few years later and their family was complete. After her boys were raised she found herself at loose ends so she started working for American Red Cross and soon became the supply manager. She was active in The Order of Eastern Star, working her way through the chairs and serving as Worthy Matron.
She spent countless hours with her grandchildren, who adored her. Landon grew up within a couple of blocks and would pop in for snacks and hugs at will. Megan remembers hours spent beside her in the kitchen where she learned great cooking skills. Gary (GJ) came to live with her in 4th grade and she raised him until he graduated from high school. When her boys were still home she baked a sour cream chocolate cake every day. Her fried chicken was the better than the Colonelâs, her potato soup was to die for, and her âAunt Kitâs Sugar Cookiesâ were the highlight of the Christmas treats.
Orland Ray was diagnosed with cancer and she nursed him until his death in 1981. He was the love of her life and she never considered finding another companion because they would never measure up to him. She was deeply grieved by the untimely deaths of two of her sons Terry and Gary as well as her granddaughter Ginny and great grandbaby Elizabeth. In spite of these tragedies her faith never wavered. She went forward at the age of 11 during a revival at Lone Star Baptist Church and her membership remained there the rest of her life.
In 1997 she decided to move back to Harrison County and purchased a house in Bethany. She went daily to the gym to exercise and lift weights until she was well into her 80s. At the age of 85 she received the Heart of Relay award from the American Cancer Society. She wanted to walk 85 quarter mile laps, one for each year of her life, putting a penny in a cup with every lap to keep count. When morning came there were only 44 pennies in the cup. She might have made all 85 if she hadnât stopped to perform the chicken dance, the YMCA, and show up front and center, in costume, for each theme hour throughout the night. She was the envy of many a younger Relayer who couldnât match her energy and enthusiasm.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Bob (Rhonda) McCoy of Martinsville; sister, Margaret Jean Daniels of Allendale; grandsons, Landon (Valerie) McCoy of Winston, and Gary (Kristi) McCoy of Gladstone; granddaughters, Mandy Oxley of Kearney, and Megan (Dave) Eagles of Kansas City; great grandchildren, Emilie, Austin, Zachary, Connor, Adam, Jay, Sarah, Ty, Devin, Kaden and Jax are also left with loving memories of an amazing grandma.
The family would like to thank the Harrison County Hospice for their kindness and caring during the last few weeks. Maxine has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Per Maxineâs wishes there will be no public services. Graveside services and inurnment will be held at the Koger Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Koger Cemetery and/or Harrison County Hospice in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com