Maxine Marie Erskine Obituary (2024)

Maxine Marie (Brown) Erskine passed away in Yakima WA on February 9, 2024. Maxine was born in Fairbanks AK on September 17, 1930, to Francis and Albert Brown. She was the oldest of five, Jeanne Gaylord (Portland), Bill Brown (deceased), Carol Downey (deceased), and John Flintoff (Oregon). No doubt it was gritty growing up in Fairbanks AK, one of five, in a small wood stove heated house, in the 1930s. Mom left her parents home to live with relatives at age 12, much different times and challenges. Mom met our dad, Bob, on a blind date and they were married for 63 years, until his passing in 2013. From Fairbanks AK to Yakima, WA over 93 years, so many colors created moms painting. Born into a depression era in the Frontier of Alaska, a very proud wife of a United States Marine and Alaska State Trooper, and raising a family in Barrow, Fairbanks, Wrangle, and Sitka AK, Kent WA and Yakima WA. Retiring to the Kona side of the big island, Hawaii, then to Las Vegas NV for a few years, and then on to Spokane WA to be closer to family, finally moving back to Yakima where she stayed the remainder of her life. Mom was a banker, insurance agency owner, and travel agent. She always dressed very well, and she took pride in her appearance (no jeans). She could be at any time a traveler, gardener, hunting widow, dog lover, walker, fierce opponent, and teammate. The simplicity of having her nails done and sipping a chai tea while going on a drive with her daughter always brought a smile to her face. Mom is survived by her children Bob Erskine (Susie) of Yakima, Vicky Tallman (Gary) of Panama City Beach FL, Scott Erskine of Yakima, and Chris McGree (Gerry) of Yakima. She is also survived by her grandchildren Holly, Amanda, Bobby, Charissa, Sarah, Erin, and Clare, and great grandchildren Mason, Haley, Ian, Jack, Max, Ray, Keira, and Brooke. A Graveside Service on March 9, 2024, at 11:00am will be held, interring Maxine and Robert Charles Erskine at Tahoma Cemetery in Yakima WA, in the military section. Following inurnment there will be a gathering/open house at her daughter, Chris McGrees home. Graveside Service Tahoma Cemetery Saturday, March 9, 2024 11:00 AM Yakima Washington,