Maxine H. Youker

Maxine H. Youker, 99, of Dolgeville, New York, passed away peacefully, early Friday morning, November 17, 2023 at Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Little Falls, New York, where she had been a resident for the last several years.

She was born on June 7, 1924, in Little Falls, New York and was the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Rockefeller) Heller. Maxine was educated at Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1942.

Maxine furthered her education and attended Syracuse University School of Fine Arts and Education where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She also took graduate courses at Utica College of S.U. and from Syracuse University where she earned her Teacher’s Certification.

On July 10, 1948, Maxine was united in marriage to William C. Youker at the First Presbyterian Church in Dolgeville, New York. The couple shared a loving union of 57 years when Mr. Youker passed away on October 10, 2005.

Maxine was a long-time art teacher starting her career in Coppenhagen Central School where she taught art for grades K-12. She then transferred to St. Johnsville Central School where she taught art subjects for grades 1-6, Mechanical Drawing at Dolgeville Central School as well as Herkimer County B.O.C.E.S. serving both Dolgeville Central School grades 1-4 and the Art program with the Special Education Center in East Herkimer for a combined total of 26 years dedicated to teaching children art classes. She retired in 1972.

She loved painting with watercolors, China painting and attending China painting shows. Maxine also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the family camp on Pleasant Lake where her family still gathers today.

She was a devoted member of her community and had many memberships and affiliations including a member of the United Lutheran Presbyterian Parish of Dolgeville, Past Elder serving nine years on the Presbyterian Session, 70-year plus member of the Auskerada Maques Rock City Chapter 204, Order of the Eastern Star, member of Col. William Feeter Chapter of NSDAR, charter member of the Dolgeville-Manheim Historical Society, life member of the Herkimer County Historical Society, life member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization, member of the Central New York American Ex-POW’s, Oppenheim Senior Citizen’s Center, served nine years on the Herkimer County Advisory Council-Office of the Aging, Mohawk Valley China Painter’s Association, and the New York State Retired Teachers Association.

Maxine is survived by her beloved children, Cathie Y. Maxwell and her husband, Robert of Dolgeville, NY and W. Charles Youker and his wife, Jean of Dolgeville, NY; grandchildren, Jeremy R. Maxwell and his wife, Heather of Latham, NY, Seth W. Maxwell and his wife, Abigail of New Hartford, NY, Tess E. Smith and her husband, Ken of Syracuse, NY and Sherry Ashwood and her companion, Eugene Side of Alexandria Bay, NY; great-grandchildren, William R. Maxwell, Heidi L. Maxwell, Tatum Little, Reaghan O. Maxwell, Rae Smith, Colt Smith, Sarah Ashwood, Matthew Murray, and Christine Brant; a sister-in-law, Dian Crowley of Dolgeville, NY; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and several special friends especially Cathy Maxwell.

She was predeceased by a brother, Charles Heller on May 31, 1934 and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law of the Youker family.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York. Immediately following calling hours, a prayer service will be held by members of Auskerada Maques Rock City Chapter #204, Order of the Eastern Star will begin at 3 p.m.and a memorial service to follow with long time dear family friend, Pastor Gertrude Ortlieb.

A graveside committal service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at a 11 a.m. at Rural Park Cemetery in Ingham’s Mills, New York where she will be laid to rest with her husband, William.

The family is being cared for by Roberts Funeral Home in conjunction with Miller-Plonka Funeral Home.

The Youker family would like to thank the very caring staff at Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Little Falls, New York for their compassion and support for Maxine.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions for the Dolgeville-Manheim Historical Society, 74 S. Main St., Dolgeville, NY 13329 or the United Lutheran Presbyterian Parish, 26 E. Faville Ave., Dolgeville, NY 13329.

To leave a message of sympathy for Maxine’s family, please visit www.robertsfuneralcare.com or www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for her online memory book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maxine H. Youker, please visit our floral store.