Maxine Jean (Hay) Shaw

Maxine Jean Shaw, 98, lifetime Ellensburg resident, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Grace Manor Adult Family Home in Ellensburg.  She passed peacefully with her children at her bedside.  Her funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Ellensburg Presbyterian Church with Rev. Al Sandalow officiating. She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at the IOOF Cemetery.

Maxine was born on May 24, 1925 in Jordan, Montana to Glen & Emma Belle (Clouse) Hay.  The first five years of her life were spent in Montana before her family loaded up everything they owned and moved west to Carnation, WA in 1930.  Within a short time the family moved to the Kittitas Valley and put down roots.

After her graduation from Ellensburg High School in 1943 Maxine went to work at the Ellensburg Daily Record. In 1946, she met Fred Shaw who was in business with Abe & Dorothy Wilson at the Electric Supply and Fixture Company on Fourth Avenue. After their marriage in May of 1947, they purchased Wilson’s interest in the business and in 1957 they bought and relocated to the Lynch Building at 512 N. Pearl.  They continued operating the store until 1980 when they retired and sold it to their son and daughter-in-law, Steve & Phyillis. The business is still family owned and known today as Shaw’s Furniture.

Retirement for Fred and Maxine included years of camping, hunting, fishing, crabbing, horse pack trips, and traveling with family and friends.

Following Fred’s death in 1995, Maxine dedicated herself to her grandchildren, supporting their various sports and extracurricular activities.  She was their biggest fan! In the years following Fred’s death, Maxine was blessed with the special companionship of Tom McGheehee and after Tom passed away, Bill Hooper.  Many special memories were made with both, including traveling, horseback riding and, of course, lots of dancing!  Maxine had abundant energy with her daily activities.  Her close friends and family know it was a challenge to keep up.  Always positive when out and about, she greeted friends or acquaintances with a bright smile and a sincere interest in their activities.

Maxine was very active in the community and was a member of several organizations, including the Kittitas County Field and Stream Club as well as an avid supporter of the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame. She and Fred were also charter members of the Ellensburg Boat Club.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Cyndie (Glenn Richardson) Phillips of Deer Park; son Bob (Maureen Baker) Shaw of Rainier; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, sons Jim and Steve, siblings Melba Huntsinger and Phil Hay, and her parents.

Memorial contributions in Maxine’s honor are suggested to the Kittitas County Field and Stream Club (PO Box 522) or to the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame (110 W. 6th Avenue, PMB #374) both in Ellensburg.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com