Maxine (Leydorf) Tufford

Maxine Ruth (Leydorf) Tufford, 89, of Bannister, MI, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016, at Ashley Care Center, Ashley, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck and Pastor Mona Dye officiating.  Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Maxine was born in Henderson, Michigan on November 2, 1926, the daughter of Dean and Leona (Wood) Barker.  She graduated from Owosso High School. Maxine married Elmer John Leydorf on February 14, 1944; Elmer passed away June 19, 1991. She married Charlie Tufford on April 27, 1996; Charlie passed away in 2011.

Maxine was the Elba Township Clerk for many years. She was an avid quilter and delivered meals on wheels for several years. Maxine was a world traveler. She and Elmer made many mission trips to Haiti. Maxine was an active member of the Bannister United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Elba Sunshine Club. Maxine was a devoted grandmother and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren very much.

She is survived by her daughters-in-law; Rosemary Leydorf, and Kathy and Roger Keck, grandchildren; Scott and Kelly Leydorf, Nick and Juli Leydorf, and great grandchildren; Reece, Cole, and Julian.  Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, her two sons; Jeffrey Leydorf and Michael Leydorf, and brother Warren Barker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bannister United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.