Maxine Jones Hardin Jenkins

A little bit about BITS. Maxine Marie Jones was born in Albuquerque, NM on 31 May 1920 to Marguerite Augusta (Maxwell) and Homer Clay Jones. The family lived in Thoreau, NM. Maxine was the second of seven children. Her father owned the Jones Mercantile Store/NAI Trading Post located near Route 66 and the AT&SF Railroad. Navajo families would trade for supplies in the Jones store. Maxine was in the store often. They called her, "Jones Bitsuí" meaning little Jones. That is how she got the nickname "Bits". Attending school in Thoreau and St. Mary's Academy in Albuquerque was the beginning of her life lessons. She married Willis Rodger Hardin, an AT&SF brakeman/conductor and the father of their four children. Bits devoted her time and energy for her children. Providing many opportunities for them to enjoy life, participate in a wide variety of activities, encouraging them to become responsible adults. At holiday time she made a wide variety of cookies and candies. Divinity was her specialty. Willis and Maxine enjoyed picnics, landscaping and maintaining a great yard. Willis took on the huge project of home improvements. Taking him through 12 years and almost finished the project when he passed in 1958. Internment was held in Winslow's Desert View Cemetery. A young widow determined to be independent and provide for her family, she attended Winslow High School to earn a GED and update administrative skills. For almost a decade she worked in Sears & Roebuck business office. Her children now adults with children of their own, Bits would now be called "Grandma Bits". Maxine was petite, 5', with mischievous green eyes, silver gray hair and ready to enjoy every minute of what life would bring her way. Bits became a true, fun "foolish forty" gal! In 1967 Maxine married AT&SF brakeman/conductor Frank Melvin Jenkins. Life with Frank brought extended family and new activities. They square danced, played board games with other couples. Both committed to many hours, days, months to years renovating the Desert View Cemetery. The City of Winslow honored them with Man and Woman of the Year 1973. With Frank's retirement they moved to Sun City, AZ. This meant city life and so many new adventures. They traveled, continued square dancing competition, enjoyed senior citizens' activities; attended entertainment at the Sun Bowl and Sun Dome. Bits took computer, aerobic classes; piano lessons; bible study; played tennis; golfed and took genealogy classes. She made many jaunts to Albuquerque to work with her sister, Patricia Ann Jones Heggem to compile their family history book. Frank passed in 1994. Internment was held in Winslow's Desert View Cemetery. During the next 15 years, Bits continued to be a very involved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Her door was open for stop-overs, families to gather for celebrations, and a place to regroup. She will be remembered as a gracious hostess, with great Irish wit. A chocolate fanatic (especially Hot Fudge Sundae's any time of day or night), sporadically enjoyed black licorice, music appreciation, the challenge of a jigsaw puzzle, and always ready for an adventure. In 2010, Bits is in her nineties. Maxine's heart decided to slowdown her activities. Then dementia rerouted her thoughts. She was able to stay in her home until she suffered a stroke a few days before passing. Hospice of the Valley then provided her care. Bits passed 27 Oct 2012. Internment was held in Winslow's Desert View Cemetery on 1 Nov 2012 being placed next to Willis R. Hardin. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, three siblings-in-law, two husbands, one son and one grandson. She has four generations with over 70 souls to carry on her teachings, principles, and Bits-isms. A gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate the life of Maxine and to share memories of Bits.