Maxine Arlyn Graff was born on November 4, 1928 in Seward, Nebraska to Fay and Marie (Hartman) Watson and passed away on April 1, 2020, at the age of 91 years, 4 months, and 28 days.  Maxine grew up in rural Seward County.  She attended country school until the 8th grade, then she attended Seward High School and graduated with the Class of 1946.  After graduation she stayed at home where she helped her parents on the farm.

On February 22, 1959, Maxine was united in marriage to Darrell Graff at Friedens United Church of Christ in Goehner and to this union three children were born.  She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting doilies, nature, gardening, birds and anything involving the outdoors.  She instilled an appreciation for nature in her loved ones and could give you the name of almost any flower.  Maxine loved riding her bike and continued riding until the age of 89.  She enjoyed spending time at the Seward Senior Center and helping with the potato bakes.  Maxine loved doing her card ministry where she sent over 800 cards and letters.  She loved her family and spending time with them.  Maxine was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ in Goehner where she was a part of the women's fellowship and a Sunday school teacher.  She was fiercely devoted to her faith.

Maxine was preceded in death by husband, Darrell (1996); her parents; parents-in-law, Freeman and Martha Graff; brothers-in-law, Robert Graff, Lee Graff, Charlie Nitz; sister-in-law, Dorothy Nienhueser and husband Butch.

Survivors cherishing her memory include her children, Linda Graff and companion David Pavel, Seward, Lynette Petersen and husband Stu, Seward, Keith Graff, Seward; five grandchildren, Emily Petersen, Utica, Abigail Frizzell and husband Don, Omaha, Kelsey Petersen, Utica, Taylor Graff, Kearney, Gavin Graff, Milford; three step-grandchildren, Samantha Wellman and husband Michael, Elmwood, Sarah Pavel, Kearney, Andrew Pavel, Seward; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte (Charlie), Samuel and William Frizzell; two step great-grandchildren, Joseph Wellman and Annabelle Lancaster.  To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of life shared with Maxine.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Friedens United Church of Christ with Rev. Pam Williams officiating.