Maxine Fern Hamilton L’Heureux Rice returned to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 21, 2024.

Maxine was born September 30,1939 in Liberal, Kansas to Eva Elizabeth Van Benthuysen and Alvin Lee Hamilton.

Maxine was an independent and active woman.  She loved to volunteer for her Church and the local hospital gift shops. Her most recent churches were Community UMC in Virginia Beach, VA and High Street UMC in Franklin, VA. She made many friends and loved to be involved in Adult Sunday School and the many other activities offered in church life.

Maxine had many addresses and lived in more than 12 different places in her life. Part of this nomad-like life was a result of being the wife of a military officer. Beyond the moves connected to the military, after retirement Maxine and her husband, Gordon L’Heureux, sold their home in Kingsville, TX and bought a motorhome to become full time RVers. They traveled throughout the US and frequently chose their next stop based on where their family and friends were located. As they settled into their next stop, they were frequently volunteering at the State and National Parks or camp hosts at the campground they stayed at. They were fortunate to see many beautiful areas of our country, meet interesting people everywhere they went and visit their families.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters Susan Lee Blazewicz and Rebecca Dawn Weyant, husband Gordon L’Heureux and husband Lloyd Rice.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Chapman, Daughters Nancy Ann Long (Robert) of Stuart, VA, Marcia Fay Fisher of Sterling, VA, Patricia Teeter (John) of Chepachet, RI, Barbara L’Heureux of Onalaska, WI and Marisa L’Heureux (Lynn) of Chicago, IL Maxine is also survived by seven grandchildren, five step grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She has also been blessed with two great-great grandsons in the past year.

Maxine had many hobbies and talents that she loved to share with all that she met. As we think of her arrival in Heaven, we can picture her swirling around the dance floor in her formal gown and Gordon in his tux. The colors of their formal wear would have matched like they did every day. Maxine is dancing and humming to the music.  She has a big smile on her beautiful face and a twinkle in her eyes. Dance on Maxine and enjoy your reunion with family, friends and most of all, Jesus Christ!

Maxine and her family have many memories of their camping adventures and the Sundays at church during their childhood. If you would like to give a donation in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a memorial gift donation to Community United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, VA or the National Park Service based in Reston, VA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. The service will be at Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.  Internment will be at Albert G Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA 23434