Rita Maxine Kisling

Rita Maxine Kisling February 9, 1937 – June 14, 2026 Maxine was born in Turlock, California, the fifth of seven children born to Alva J and Mary Marguerite (Domecq) Haile. She spent her childhood as one of the "Haile Girls" on the family farm in Denair. She enjoyed music, played the piano, and was active in the church choir and youth group. She was a yell-leader at Denair High School and graduated in 1954. She attended Pasadena College until 1956, when she reconnected with Robert “Bob” Elton Kisling, a friend from high school. They married in December 1956 and were blessed with three children: Stanley Kirt (Brenda), Lori Kim Eberts (John), and Karla Jene Bishop (Frank). They began their life together in San Diego while Bob served in the United States Navy. They returned to Denair in 1961, where they raised their family with their children surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the close-knit community they loved. Maxine enjoyed serving in church ministry, including helping lead the youth group and hosting church gatherings that were remembered as much for the fellowship as for the homemade ice cream. In 1972, the family moved to Lindsay, where Bob and Maxine started a new business. There, Maxine continued as bookkeeper for the family’s business. She had a passion for collecting and selling beautiful pieces of antique Depression glass. She again became active in both church and community life, becoming secretary of the local P.E.O. chapter, an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Hospital Guild, the Lindsay Women’s Club and the Lindsay Presbyterian Women’s Guild. She coordinated the activities of the Queen and her Court for Lindsay’s annual Orange Blossom Festival, and in recognition of their generous community service, Bob and Maxine were celebrated as the Orange Blossom Festival’s Honored Couple in 2008. In retirement, they returned to Turlock, where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Relationships were at the heart of Maxine’s life. Her home was a place where family naturally gathered—a house filled with music, homemade cookies, Sunday dinners, card games, pool parties, and laughter. She delighted in creating memorable holidays, complete with lovely table settings featuring her cherished antique glassware and plenty of food for everyone. Her children always came first. She attended countless sporting events and band concerts, and was generous with words of encouragement—her children’s biggest cheerleader. Being a grandmother brought her particular joy. She created special memories through sleepovers, baking cookies together, giving thoughtful gifts, and countless small acts of love that made each grandchild feel treasured. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend athletic events and celebrate graduations. She also cherished the lifelong bond she shared with her siblings, gathering for vacations, milestone celebrations, and family parties where laughter was always abundant and silliness was encouraged. Maxine’s positive impact of kindness, faith in Jesus, generosity, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Maxine is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and her sisters Marie Starn, Marlene Fleeger, and Myrle Wall. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, her brother Wayne Haile, and her sisters Marjory Walker and Mae Jean Hedberg. A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Living of Turlock, Berg Hall, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private at Denair Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Rita Maxine Kisling

February 9, 1937 - June 14, 2026