Maxine Louise Merrick Smith of Lompoc died Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the age of 94.

Maxine was born May 23, 1921. Maxine was the oldest of five children. She was particularly close to her sister Doris. Maxine and her sister attended nursing school together at Silver Cross Hospital. Upon completion of their nursing training, Maxine opted to join the military in 1944 and served in two conflicts. It was in the military where she met her future husband John. They were married and after leaving the military they settled in Lompoc where John and Maxine enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends, and dancing. Maxine continued her nursing career for many years. Upon retirement, she continued to serve her community. She was a past president of the Kiwanians, volunteered with the Red Cross, and was very active with her church.

Preceded in death by her husband John "Smitty" Smith, sisters Doris and Beverly, her brother Milt, and her granddaughter Jacquelyn.

Survived by her brother Jay Merrick and his wife Betty, son Geoffrey Smith and his wife Joan, her stepdaughter Christine Bounds, her grandchildren Robert Smith and his wife Megan, Brent Smith and his wife Jenna, and Caleb Smith and several great grandhildren.

The visitation will be Tuesday, November 10, from 3-7 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The funeral service will be on Veteran's Day, November 11, at 10 am at St. Mary's Episcopal Church led by Rev. Michael Cunningham. Interment with military honors will follow at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.