Maxine Witter

Maxine Witter sadly passed away November 2 at age 98 at her son's home in Folsom, CA surrounded by her family. She was born September 23, 1920 in Chico, CA to Theodore Augustus Hartt and Matilda (Sorenson) Hartt. She attended Chico schools graduating from Chico High School in 1938 where she was active in many clubs. She then attended Chico State College where she graduated cum laude in 1942 with an education major and art & home economics minors. While at Chico State she was president of Alpha Chi sorority, president of Pan Hellenic Council, member of Kappa Delta Pi honorary education society, a member of the Epsilon Epsilon Epsilon honorary home economic society, and active in Cardinal Key. She earned her teaching credential and student taught at College Elementary. She later taught at McKinley School in Gridley, CA from 1944-1946. On Halloween 1940 Maxine met her future husband, Newell Kenneth Witter, at Price's Candies in downtown Chico. Entering the Army Air Force after Pearl Harbor, he was stationed in Pueblo, CO. Before he was to ship out to England, Maxine rode three days and nights on a train with little sleep or food in order to marry Newell on June 23, 1943 in Pueblo. After spending a 3-day honeymoon in Manitou Springs, CO they spent 2 years apart due to World War II. After Newell returned from the Service in 1945 they rented their first home on Palm Ave in Chico where their first child, Dianne Elizabeth, was born October 31, 1946. After buying their first home on Sherman Ave, Chico, their first son, David Kenneth, was born on May 17, 1949. Later, after buying a newly-constructed home on Mione Way, Chico, their last child, Richard Theodore, was born on May 14, 1954. Their final home purchase was made on Oro Street, Redding, CA after Newell was transferred there by the State of California. During her married years in Chico she was active in Phi Epsilon Phi sorority, was a Campfire Girl leader, Cub Scout den mother, Boy Scout mother, and many PTA years. She helped establish the Bidwell Cooperative Nursery School and worked at Storybook Nursery School for many years. With Newell and family, they were active in the Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church. After moving to Redding, CA in 1968, they became active in the 1st Presbyterian Church of Redding. They were members of the Redding Y's Men's Club, Shasta County Historical Society, and the Shasta County Water Color Society where she continued her lifelong love of painting. Her paintings still hang in many homes. Maxine was an active member of the P.E.O., Chapter TB, for many years up to her death. She was also active in the P.E.O. book club as she was an avid reader. Maxine is preceded in death by her parents Theodore A. and Matilda Hartt, brother Boyd E. Hartt and husband Newell K. Witter. She is survived by her daughter Dianne (Mike) Overton of Yuba City, son David (Diane) Witter of Folsom and son Richard (Vern) Witter of Honomu, HI; four grandsons, Steve Overton of Yuba City, Jeff (Megan) Overton of Reno, NV, Ken (Lindsay) Witter of Eldorado Hills, and Matt Witter of Lodi; 6 great-grandchildren, Cameron & Elliot Overton, Caden & Avery Witter, Isaiah & Everett Witter. She is also survived by many cousins and friends. Maxine and Newell were married 62 years and enjoyed traveling, camping, painting, gardening, reading, and their family. Services will be held on Friday, November 9 at 12 noon at Glen Oaks Memorial Park, 11115 Midway, Chico, CA. Donations in Maxine's name may be made to P.E.O. TB Scholarship Fund, 810 Delta St., Redding, CA 96003 or Snowline Hospice, 6520 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. Donations to either choice above can also be sent to Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway, Chico,