Maxine Arlys (King) DeSaussure, 69, of Ronan, passed away at her home of natural causes on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007.

Maxine was born on Feb. 18, 1938, in Valley Creek to Roy and Mary Jane King. She attended school in Valley Creek, Arlee, Frenchtown and graduated from Ronan High School in 1956. Later that year she married Jerry Hamel. They had one daughter, Traci. They later divorced and she spent the happiest years of her life married to Gary DeSaussure.

Maxine loved her animals, friends, family and the outdoors. She was meticulous and her yard, garden and animals showed it. She was an accomplished horsewoman and had many buckles, trophies and numerous prizes to account for her talent.

She was a past member of the Valley Barrel Racers, Mission Valley Cowgirls and the NBHA.

She made friends everywhere she went.

Her biggest accomplishment in this life was being the best mother anyone could ever ask for. She was such a special lady and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Mary Jane King; husband, Gary; brother, Gordon King; niece, Kelli Baker; and in-laws Veldon and Marion DeSaussure.

She is survived by her daughter, Traci Vaile, and her husband, Gus, of Babb; sister Beverly Hill, of Helena; sister-in-law, Margaret King, of Dixon; nephews Bob King of Lewistown, Doug King and family of Dixon, K.C. Hill of Helena; stepson, Rich DeSaussure of Santa Fe, N.M.; stepdaughter, Paula Homuth of Missoula; grandsons Chris and Kevin Gardipe and Drew Homuth, all of Missoula.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Pablo Christian Church with Rev. Dewey Obenchain. A reception will be after the services. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be held at the Ronan Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com