Maxine (Webb) Rhien

Maxine Webb Rhien died on Friday, January 12th, 2018, at age 91. Each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren were swaddled at birth in one of "Mama's" hand knitted blankets, each stitched with love. And there were many, eighteen grandchildren and forty-five great grandchildren. Every member of her family received a handmade Christmas gift every Christmas Eve. Again, there were many gifts-seventy-one in all. Each of these received a handmade birthday card every year. Unbelievable, she is survived by all seventy-one. She was preceded in death by only one of her family, her beloved husband, Bob, who died two years prior. Married in 1946, she and Bob created a loving, caring, interesting and inspiring home for their four children, Ann, Rob, Nancy and Scott. They later embraced spouses Larry, Becky, Kenny and Earlene.
If her gifts of celebration were symbols of love, they were also master pieces designed and created by a talented and accomplished artist.
Faith and service were the pillars of her life, if love was the foundation. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, giving years of service as a leader, mentor, and friend to many. She with her husband served three full time missions, the first to the native tribes of South Dakota, the second to the Maori of New Zealand, and the third to the Navajo Nation.
She was a founder of the San Juan Quilters Guild, and volunteered countless hours to the American Heart Association and the San Juan Hospital Auxiliary. She spent years working with LDS Social Services; her focus was single mothers and their babies. She and Bob were instrumental in the building of Child Haven in Farmington.
She saw education as one of the main instruments necessary to be able to serve. Personal example and high expectations were as much a part of her home as were the countless meals taken to people who were hurting. She graduated from Farmington High School in 1943, after having moved here with her mother, Glenna Webb and her step father, Perry Smoak. Her father died when she was three years old, and she and her brother Marlo Webb, who survives her, saw how a strong, independent mother, with the love and support of extended family, can live whole, healthy lives after tragedy.
She began studies at the University of New Mexico at the age of 16, graduating as its first female mechanical engineer. While in Albuquerque, she worked for the Atomic Energy Commission, helping design timers for the atomic bomb. Her family has since teased her "If you can make a bomb, you can make a cake." She did both, and continued to demonstrate her regard for education throughout her life. She and Bob were recognized in the San Juan College Hall of Fame for their contributions to the college.
Building (first designing) her home with Bob in Farmington, she used her sharp intellect and sound reason to raise up a family. All were expected to become independent and self-sufficient. Most importantly, she taught her children to respect all, to share with others and to love always. Maxine's love continues to swaddle us.
Visitation will be Friday, January 19th 5:30-7:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 4400 College Boulevard in Farmington. A memorial service will be Saturday, January 20th at 2:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints on 400 W. Apache Street in Farmington. Memorial contributions may be made to the LDS Charities/Humanitarian Fund.
Maxine's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington. (505)325-8688. You may share condolences with the family on our website: www.serenityandcompany.com http://www.serenityandcompany.com