E. Maxine DeForrest

E. Maxine DeForrest of Kalamazoo, Age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Grace Valley Assisted Living surrounded by her family. Maxine was born in Schoolcraft, Michigan on June 29, 1923, the seventh of 11 children to the late Carl H. and Emma M. (Nimtz) White. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, class of 1941. On July 22, 1945, she was united in marriage to Bruce E. DeForrest, who preceded her in death on May 30, 2004, after 59 years of marriage. Maxine was a member of Milwood United Methodist Church where she was actively involved for many years. She was employed by the Kalamazoo Gazette, Kalamazoo Public Schools and enjoyed volunteering for many years at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Maxine was also preceded in death by her sisters, Florence Gallagher, Dorothy Sager, Marjorie White and Frances Temple and her brothers, Gordon, Clarence and Robert White. She is survived by her children, Susan (Charles) Hefner, Peggy (Vaughn) Menck and Michael (Linda Elstun) DeForrest; grandsons, Andrew (Laurie) and Christopher Hefner; sisters, Norma Hill and Barbara Malcolm; brother, Herbert (Florence) White and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Private interment will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Valley Assisted Living, Hospice Care of SW Michigan, Milwood United Methodist Church or a charity of one's choice, c/o the funeral home. Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home