Judi Maxam, 79, slipped peacefully away on March 20, 2017, in Moab, Utah, with her husband Clayton Maxam, who was her lifelong sweetheart and partner in many adventures during their 55 years together. She also leaves behind her children Ron Maxam and Val Maxam-Moore; her grandchildren Claire and Lauren Maxam; and her brother Paul Pavlat.
Judi was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin, but soon after, her father’s job relocated the family to the West Coast. Judi finished high school in Medford, Oregon, and then completed nursing school at Providence Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Shortly thereafter, she met Clayton on a blind date! Three years later, they married and then started their family with the birth of twins – Val and Ron, in 1962. Clayton’s phone company career moved them from Portland to The Dalles, Oregon, and then to Redmond, Washington. After Ron served four years in the Air Force and Val finished nursing school, Clayton retired and they moved onto their beautiful sailboat, “Namasa.” They spent the next six years cruising the majestic waters of Puget Sound. When Judi’s arthritis could no longer accommodate the cool, damp climate, they left “Namasa” in good hands and went Southwest, where Judi fell in love with the sunny, dry desert days as well as the Native American people and the art of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. In 2006, they made Moab, Utah, their home, putting down roots and becoming part of the fabric of this small town.
Judi was best known by all who knew her for her generous heart and mischievous sense of humor. She was happiest when she was planning and then doing something special for someone else, be it a surprise for Clayton, or her kids, a treat for her grandkids, help for a needy family or a kind gesture for a friend or neighbor.
Her passing leaves a hole in the lives of her family and friends, but it is with a grateful heart that we release her into the arms of her creator, where all pain and suffering cease to exist, and she’ll become one of the guardian angels looking out for each of us.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
