Maxine Valee (Pearson) Sanders peacefully passed at home on Friday, February 27, 2015 in Oklahoma City, OK. She was born in Livonia, MO to Daff & Reta Pearson. In 1946, she was married to Ted E. Sanders, celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary on June 15, 2001, prior to Ted's passing on July 19, 2001. Maxine attended and graduated from Livonia Schools, where she was an outstanding student, basketball player, and very active in her church. She later taught in the Livonia school system. Upon leaving her family home in Missouri, she briefly worked as a telephone operator in Cincinnati, IA. She also worked in Rock Island and Moline, IL. Shortly thereafter, Maxine relocated to OK with her sister, Christine "Sally" and friend, Bonnie, working at Douglass Aircraft Plant as a "Rosie the Riveter". Maxine & Ted met while both worked at Douglass and were married June 15, 1946. After marriage, they made their home in Oklahoma City, where they welcomed their only child, Gayla, in June, 1954. The couple purchased the Overhead Door Company distributorship for Tulsa, OK in 1958, where they made their home for 28 years. In 1986, Maxine & Ted returned to Oklahoma City. Besides family, Maxine's greatest passion was music. She loved to play her baby grand piano, organ, and also played the guitar and ukulele during her childhood. Maxine's most amazing talent was her ability to play all instruments totally by "ear", never having learned to read musical notes. For many years, Maxine also enjoyed china painting, leaving a beautiful collection for her daughter. Maxine was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, friend and neighbor who will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as her sister, Dorothy Sparks, and son-in-law, Lloyd D. Wicker. She is survived by her daughter, Gayla Wicker (Mustang, OK); sisters, Christine "Sally" Upton (Claremore, OK) and Patsy Beamer & husband, Jim (Owasso, OK); as well as numerous other immediate and in-law family members. Special appreciation is extended by the family to Integris Hospice of Central Oklahoma County, as well as the independent home care provided by Joane, Christina, Linda, Sheri, & Margie for their loving care, comfort and support. Services will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 11 am, Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, Bethany, OK. Viewing will be Monday, March 2, 2015 from 12-9 pm, with family present from 5-7 pm. Mrs. Sanders will be entombed at Resurrection Mausoleum, Oklahoma City, OK. Funeral Service Tuesday, March 3, 2015 11:00 AM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008