Maxine Ellison, 90, Springfield, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2014 in Magnolia Square. She was born March 21, 1924 in Ava, Missouri, the daughter of Ernest and Carrie (Denney) Kester. Maxine graduated from Ava High School and attended Southwest Missouri State University. She lived and worked in California for several years during World War II and married her husband, Herman Ellison, in 1946. After returning to Springfield, Maxine worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for many years, until she retired in 1982 in order to be a full-time grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Ellison; granddaughter, Carrie Butler and her husband Justin; great-grandsons, Jackson and Greyson Butler; sister-in-law, Virginia Kester; nephew, Dennis Kester and his wife Paula; three great-nephews; one great niece and several great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Ellison; her brother Ernest Kester, Jr.; and nephew David Kester. Maxine enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with friends and family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2014 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will follow in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1500 South Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804 or Season's Hospice, 1831 West Melville, Springfield, MO 65804.