Maxine Barber Denton, 98, of Hillsboro, a teacher, community and church leader, and devoted mother and grandmother, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at her home.
Born Oct. 29, 1912, in Bath County, she was the middle child of the late Everett and Lutie Thompson Barber. The family, including Maxine’s four siblings, moved to Fleming County in 1918.
Maxine attended a one-room school in Grange City and graduated from Fleming County High School in 1932. She was the recipient of the Carnegie Medal of Honor for her heroic efforts in saving the life of her uncle and his son, and received a $500 scholarship, which she used to complete her education at Morehead State University.
Except for one year when she was a music teacher in Bentonville, Ohio, Maxine taught in the Fleming County schools from 1933 until 1984. She began her diversified career in a one-room school in Arnold’s Chapel teaching children from four years of age to 14. Two years later she moved to the Hillsboro School, which consisted of four rooms and was later replaced with the current Hillsboro Elementary School. In addition to teaching grades four through eight during the course of her career, Maxine found time to teach art and music, volunteered to coach boys’ basketball, and served as principal. She was responsible for organizing the first PTA in Hillsboro and served as president. She also held leadership positions in local, state, and national education associations, as well as Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Teacher Society.
Maxine was extremely active in community organizations. She was a member of the first Board of Directors of Fleming County Hospital. She, along with other members of the board, worked tirelessly to establish the hospital, retiring from the board in 1985. Maxine and her husband, Ashton were instrumental in organizing the Hillsboro Fire Department. She was a member of the Fire Board and served as secretary and treasurer until 2001.
Through the years, Maxine was also active in many Fleming County organizations including the 4-H, Historical Society, Homemakers, Farmers Home Administration Board, American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Order of Eastern Star A. P. Gooding 172, Women’s Advisory Council for Southern States, March of Dimes and Polio Foundation. She was elected Mrs. Fleming County in 1955, served as the Grand Marshall of Hillsboro Homecoming Parade in 1994, and was a Kentucky Colonel.
Maxine and Ashton enjoyed their travels throughout the United States and six continents. Australia and China were among her favorites.
She was involved in church activities throughout her lifetime. She taught Sunday school, Bible school, and youth groups and taught piano and played for church services and was a member of Hillsboro Christian Church.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister and three brothers: Glenna Christine Smoot, Everett Barber Jr., Eugene Barber and Archie Clark Barber. Maxine’s husband of 43 years, Ashton Lyle Denton, passed away Dec. 16, 1980.
Mrs. Denton is survived by one daughter, Glenna Denton Peterson and husband, Gene of Hillsboro; one son, James Denton and wife, Jeannette of Georgetown; two grandchildren, Joseph Bumgardner and wife, Tammy and Sarah Lyle Marshall and husband, Corbin; and one great-granddaughter, Ashton Lee Bumgardner.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, at Hillsboro Christian Church with the Rev. Jim Hamm officiating.
Burial will follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery. Pallbearers will be William Thompson, Barry Thompson, Joseph Bumgardner, Corbin Marshall, Gene Mac Barber, Larry Barber, Eric Barber and Lowell Dean Barber.
Visitation is 5 p.m., today, Feb. 2, 2011, at Hutton Funeral Home. Order of Eastern Star Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. by O.E.S. A. P. Gooding 172.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hillsboro Christian Church, Hillsboro Fire Department, Hillsboro Elementary School Alumni Scholarship, or Fleming County Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to www.northcuttandson.com.
