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Funeral services will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM (Mountain).

2412 Merlot Drive
Rapid City, South Dakota




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In memory of

Maxine Boone

of Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Monument Health Hospice in Rapid City at the age of 97

Maxine Barber Boone was born May 6, 1928 in Cottonwood, South Dakota, the daughter of Elton and Mayron (Putnam) Barber. She lived and attended school in Wanblee, South Dakota until 13 years old. She later graduated from the Kadoka High School in 1945.

Maxine worked in Rapid City and had one daughter, Susan, in 1949. She lived awhile in Germany where her son, George, was adopted in 1955. The family returned to the Rapid City and Sturgis area where Maxine worked for Phillips 66 and the Forestry Department for numerous years.

Maxine lived in Minnesota and worked for the Social Security Office from January 1971 to January 2007 until returning to Rapid City where she has since resided. She was extremely proud of her two terrific children as well as the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren she leaves behind. Anyone who knew Maxine would attest that her greatest success in life was the love she created wherever she went. She was extremely easy to open up to because she was so humble and never passed judgement. The extent of her generosity is just now being known as we talk to each other. She was always there for her family and friends and was one of the most loyal people you could meet.

Survivors include two children: Susan (Dan) Sorbel of Rapid City, and George (Elena Fishman) Soffos of Davis, California; seven grandchildren: Nick (Debby) Sorbel, Cassi (Joel) Aulner, Tana (Anthony) Holmes, Danny (Julie) Sorbel, Arielle (Robert) Williams, Zoe Fishman, and Ian (Katrina) Soffos; three great-grandchildren: Taryn (Trent) Hullihen, Nya Henderson, and Darius Henderson; three great-great grandchildren: Ember and Kove Hullihen and Dario Soffos; brothers: Ronald Barber, Michael (Judy) Barber of and Douglas Barber, one sister Roxanne (Ray) Formanek; one Sister-In-Law, Joanne Barber and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Gregory Barber; a sister Areleen Guttilla; and a sister-in-law Barbara Barber.

At Maxine's request cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Maxine's home at 2412 Merlot Drive in Rapid City.

At Maxine's request cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Maxine's home at 2412 Merlot Drive in Rapid City.

  • My sister, my constant. In my 70 years, I only heard my sister talk negative one time, for a brief moment. In her 96 years, she never had a broken bone, never in hospital, nor on pharmaceuticals up until almost 97 yrs old. She broke her wrist, then her hip. She was healing so nicely in rehab,but unfortunately got sepsis which caused heart failure. She then made the choice for comfort care. As sad as it was for her family, she was ready. After a whole lifetime of not being poked and prodded, she decided that she had enough, and the domino effect of declining health wasn't on her agenda. What strength she had. When she went into hospice, my family got to meet a friend, Penny Stahl, who also showed no fear of leaving this world. Penny was able to give such peace to all of us by explaining her journey and that there is no fear when the decision is made to take the final journey. What a blessing that we got to experience two wonderful women at the same time teaching us the meaning of life and the peace they both found on their journeys. Penny was the very person who started my daughter's and my career at Heart Doctors since 1997. How fitting that after a career that I dearly loved, and in the storm of trying to say goodbye to my sister, I would also be able to have Penny teach us how to let go. God makes no mistakes, and I truly believe that Penny and Maxine were in the same place at the same time. I just wanted to share this story of comfort at a time of intense grief. My sister taught me so much in life. I felt her unconditional love of her family. She brought her family all together in her room, and we had a celebration of life with her. Only Maxine could pull that off. AND, only God could pull off having two special women teaching us about death and dying. It doesn't get any better than that. See ya later Sis and Penny. ~ Roxy Formanek sister Philip sd (5/20/2025)
  • I had the honor of knowing Maxine when she volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Maxine had been volunteering for Meals on Wheels a number of years before I started working for Meals on Wheels. Maxine was so very kind to me as I was learning the ropes. She treated all her seniors on her route, fellow volunteers and meals staff with such respect and kindness. When Maxine first started delivering meals she had two routes a week, never missing her deliveries regardless of the weather. She was one of the humblest people I have ever met. I also had the pleasure of attending a volunteer award ceremony for volunteer of the month given by city council. I am so very sorry for your loss ~ Cheree Pederson Rapid City SD (5/19/2025)
  • Maxine will always be one of my favorite people. Her smile, her caring and her loving heart will be cherished forever by those privileged to have met her. ~ George Larson, Meals on Wheels Rapid City, SD (5/16/2025)
  • So sorry for your loss! ~ Rosalind Ham Thornton, Co. (5/15/2025)
  • So sad to hear of your loss! My prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time! ~ Rebecca (Tootie)Formanek York,Nebraska (5/13/2025)