Maxine L. Barrett

September 10, 1929 – June 15, 2026

Maxine Laverne Raymond was born on September 10, 1929 in Choctaw, Oklahoma delivered at home by her Grandmother Maggie.

Maxine’s family moved west where Maxine was raised in the farming heartland of California. She graduated from Ceres High School in 1947 where she was a top student, and cheerleader who enjoyed playing basketball. Shortly after graduation, Maxine eloped with her high school sweetheart Hank Thurman. The young couple relocated to Los Angeles where Hank pursued a heavy weight boxing career.

The marriage produced two daughters, Sandra and Deborah. Hank’s boxing aspirations came to an early end and the couple divorced in 1961. Maxine remarried taking her family to a new home in Honolulu Hawaii in 1963. Maxine was hired by a prominent dentist in Honolulu where she worked as his office administrator for 20 years. After a divorce, Maxine remarried a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army who had two sons. After nine years, the couple divorced.

Maxine had many friends in Hawaii and stayed busy socially. At age 50, she met her soulmate, John Clarkin MD and they spent 12 happy years together. Maxine relocated to Anchorage, Alaska when her first grandchild was born and she never left again. She loved the beauty of the area and the camaraderie of Alaskans. She loved gardening and growing flowers in the spring.

In August 2023, Maxine moved to the Anchorage Pioneer Home. While living there she was provided with great care and friendship. On the evening of June 15, 2026, Maxine passed away.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Todd and son-in-law Richard Todd; her daughter Deborah Thurman; and granddaughter Natalie Todd and grandson Garrett Todd. Maxine was predeceased by her parents, D.F. Raymond and Ethel Davis; and two brothers, David Raymond and Gene Raymond.

We will miss her sharp mind and quick wit.

Maxine’s remains will be scattered this fall.

–Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, July 1, 2026