Maxine R. Bichsel

Maxine R. Bichsel, 97, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday March 3, 2005, at Heather Hill in Chardon.A daughter of the late Charles Rickard and Mary Cooper Rickard Nixon, Maxine was born July 3, 1907 in Medina, Ohio. She lived her younger years in Chardon, Ohio and Midvale before moving to New Philadelphia.After graduating from New Philadelphia High School, Maxine worked for Williamson Insurance Agency in New Philadelphia until she started her family. After she raised her children, she then resumed working for Williamson Insurance Agency. She also drove a school bus for MRDD.Maxine married Herbert J. Bichsel on October 24, 1928 and they were married for fourty-six years until his death on October 12, 1974. Maxine and Herb had four children: Shirley, David, twins; Donn and Dean and a son who passed away at birth, Jerry.She was an active member of the First United Church of Christ in New Philadelphia and also a member of the Eastern Star. Over the years, she enjoyed playing bridge, needle point, cross stitch, puzzles, crossword and she especially enjoyed her many years of volunteering at Union Hospital.The greatest love of her life was being with and caring for her family.She is survived by one daughter, Shirley (Russ) Herbert of Mentor, Ohio; one son, Donn Bichsel of The Villages, Florida; dear half-sister, Donna Zahm of Clearwater, Florida; half brother Lewis Rickard of Eustis, Florida; half-sisters, Vivian Willman of Eustis, Florida and Carol (Les) Miller of Eustis, Florida; grandchildren, Gregg Herbert, Lori (Tim) Kennedy, Dana (Mike) Appel, Steve Bichsel, Cindy (Ernie) Keefe, Susan (Steve) Rusnak, Kip (Fiance Megan) Bichsel, Donn (Arian) Bichsel, Jr., and Sharon (Jeff) Neunsinger; and nine great-grandchildren.Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Rickard and Mary Rickard Nixon; her beloved stepfather, Everett Nixon, three sons David, Dean and Jerry; and two brothers, Dallas and Virgil Rickard.She was dearly loved by her family friends and everyone who crossed her path during her 97 years. May she rest in peace.Funeral services will be held Wednesday March 9, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Church of Christ of New Philadelphia with Rev. Jeff Gerber and Jill Lovett officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. In accordance with Maxine’s wishes there will be no public visitation. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling the arrangements.A reception will be held at the Geib Family Center following the committal.In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Church of Christ Building Fund, 201 Fair Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663