Maxyne (Harris) Bessette, age 93, of Loma, MT, died October 9 at the Big Sandy Nursing Home. The staff's kind, loving care kept her final years pleasant and safe.
Maxyne, the youngest of 10 children, was born in Fort Benton, MT, August 16, 1922, to Elbert and Daisy Harris. Maxyne spent her young years on a farm outside of Loma. When she started school, the family moved into Loma. She attended high school in Fort Benton until her marriage to Wilfrid Bessette on May 21, 1940. Their first home was a farm on the Kenilworth Road near Big Sandy, and in 1942 they moved a few miles to their Marias River home where she spent 62 years. She always said she would "never marry a farmer" but they spent many happy years together. After Wilfrid's death in 1981, Maxyne continued to live at the ranch for several years. She eventually moved to the Missouri River near Virgelle to be closer to family. She always said she was very lucky to have two wonderful rivers to call home and she continued to visit both of them even after she moved into the Big Sandy Nursing Home; until her health declined making her weekly rides to the country impossible.
Maxyne loved to read and collected many books on places to travel. She also loved histories of all areas of the state of Montana. She loved the water and when the weather permitted, she would swim in the river with grandchildren and in later years appreciated a swimming pool in her yard. Maxyne enjoyed dancing at the Kenilworth, Carter or Loma Halls. She and Wilfrid spent many winters attending snowmobile races and she was his greatest cheerleader. They traveled several places in their motor home and went to Alaska twice. They also enjoyed visits with family in Missouri and Iowa. They loved rock hound adventures and enjoyed the desert during several winters in Quartzsite, AZ. After Wilfrid's passing, Maxyne shared many additional adventures with friends and family.
She is survived by 3 daughters, Mary Ellen (Willie) Vischer of Carter, MT, Lynda (Larry) Vielleux of Loma, MT, and Pat West of Chandler, AZ; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 9 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, all 3 of her brothers, all 6 of her sisters, and her husband of 41 years.
Cremation has taken place, and at Maxyne's request, no services will be held. There will, however, be a casual gathering in remembrance of Maxyne on Friday, October 30, at the Church of God Fellowship Hall in Big Sandy from 9-11 am. A private scattering of ashes will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to the Big Sandy Medical Center in Big Sandy MT or to the charity of your choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Maxyne's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.
