Maxine Betts Townsley was born in 1924 in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Alice and Anthony John Betts. She died Jan. 4, 2013. She attended Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Ga., the University of Georgia, and graduated from Murray College in Kentucky with a degree in Art Education. She held positions as a draftsman and illustrator, and in 1957 she was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Air Force. In 1965 she resigned with the rank of captain to accept the more challenging position of wife and stepmother.

She has numerous awards for her many hours of community development and related social services. She devoted many hours as President of several Officer’s Wife’s Clubs. She was active in the National Assistance League in the Tucson, Ariz., chapter. She was also active in the Artists of South Whidbey and enjoyed the many friends she met there. One of her greatest joys was the many hours she spent hiking beautiful Whidbey Island. She often spoke of her good fortune to have had many friends and a very privileged life.

Her kind, intelligent and devoted husband, Howard, preceded her in death on Oct. 20, 2004 here on Whidbey. Also preceding her in death were her parents, a brother and a younger sister. She leaves behind a sister and two stepsons and their wives.

Maxine requested that anyone who wishes may recognize Whidbey Island Animal Improvement (WAIF) in Coupeville, or the Nature Conservancy in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends are invited to join in a service and to share a memorable moment about Maxine’s life Thursday Jan. 17, in Langley at 4 p.m. at Visser Funeral Home.