Maxine Ann Chappell

Maxine Ann Chappell, 90, of Priest River left her loving family on Feb. 14 2012, from injuries sustained in a car accident. Also lost in the accident was Maxine's dear friend Mary Page.

A memorial gathering will be held for Maxine this summer. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Maxine was born to Fred and Mae (Newton) Solomon in Roseburg, Ore. She grew up in the Curley Creek area of Bonners Ferry, graduating from Bonners Ferry High School.

She married Robert J. Chappell in 1941 and they celebrated 52 years of marriage before Bob's passing in 1993. Maxine lived in Priest River nearly 70 years, enjoying the lakes, streams and mountains of North Idaho.

Priest Lake and the Panhandle will miss the beauty of her presence as she spent many, many hours picking huckleberries, gathering firewood, hunting deer and elk with her family and pursuing any fish unlucky enough to cross her line.

Never a wedding, graduation or birth passed without a beautiful crocheted gift by Grandma. She never missed the chance to travel - from clam digging on the Coast, to the card tables of Reno, she was always ready to go.

Maxine's home was always open and all were welcome to enjoy pancakes or waffles on Sunday venison steak or mulligan stew. She preserved jams and canned everything from fish to beans. She loved taking in stray cats and she named every one "Tom." Maxine was a member of the DAV Auxiliary, Royal Neighbors and TOPS. She enjoyed friends at the Priest River Senior Center, a game of cribbage and an occasional game of cards at the casino.

Maxine is survived by her children Ronald Chappell, Priest River; Sharon (Stephen) Bruno, Post Falls; Mick (Jan) Chappell, Spirit Lake; daughter-in-law Nancy (White) Chappell, Priest River; brother Charles "Babe" Solomon, Ketchikan, AK; 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, her brother Chester Solomon, her son Marvin Chappell, step-daughter Dorie (Chappell) Baker, son-in-law Gene Baker, grandson Michael Chappell, granddaughter Sherri (Baker) Carter and great grandson Duane Pennock.

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.sherman-knapp.com