Maxine Emma Hildebrand Hazen, 88, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2019. Her Memorial Service will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 22, 2019 at the Highwood Community Hall. Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Maxine's online memorial page at www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for her family.

She was born of the late Arnt and Hazel Hildebrand of Highwood on December 03, 1930 in Great Falls, Montana. Maxine and her brother, Neil, grew up on their family farm in Highwood. Maxine graduated from Highwood High School and went on to attend college at Northern Montana College in Havre where she earned her education degree. She then decided to begin her education career in Helena where she taught fourth grade.

On June 1, 1951, Maxine married the love of her life, Dan Bruesch Hazen, also of Highwood. Maxine quit her teaching job to join Dan at Camp Roberts in California, where she worked on Base in Medical Supply. Upon returning to Montana, Maxine was employed by Dr. F.D. Hurd in Great Falls until she was hired to teach elementary classes at Highwood Public School.

Along with teaching, Maxine helped operate the family farm where she did an excellent job making sure the members of the harvest crew were well fed and happy! Dan and Maxine had the joy of raising three children together, Duane Allan, Joan Diane, and Arlene Danette, before Dan passed away on July 5, 1988. Throughout their blissful thirty-six years of marriage, Maxine enjoyed filling her spare time with cake decorating, sight-seeing, road trips, singing, and playing the piano. She remained an active member of her community, and she continued to volunteer her time at school, church, Vacation Bible School, youth group, and various choirs. Throughout her life, she attended the Highwood Methodist Church, Belt Community Church, and Faith Center Foursquare Church.

Maxine's love for God and her family radiated through her smile and pure joyous demeanor. Her generosity knew no limits, and she continually provided her family with a solid cornerstone to lean on. Her laugh, hugs, and full M&M bowl will be greatly missed. Maxine will be remembered as a dedicated, kind, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, and community member.

Maxine is now joined with her parents, Arnt and Hazel Hildebrand, her husband, Dan Hazen, and her two children, Duane and Joan, in God's presence. Her loving memory will be cherished in the lives of her daughter, Arlene Hartman, her son-in-law, Mike Hartman, her seven grandchildren, her fourteen great-grandchildren, and her cousins.