Esther “Maxine” Litton, 84, of Fairfield, passed away February 17, 2026, 6 days after her beloved Jack.
The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Burial will follow at Glasgow Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Lords Cupboard of Jefferson County. Cards and memorials can be mailed to Pam Baumann, 101 E Harrison Ave, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.
Esther Maxine Martin was born November 30, 1941, in Fairfield to Carl and Delpha Martin. After graduating from Fairfield High School, she married the love of her life, Jack Litton, June 10, 1960. Together they shared 66 joyous years of marriage, creating a life centered on family. The two were never apart except for the six days the two were separated on Earth.
Aside from raising three beautiful daughters, Maxine provided a daycare service in her home on 4th street for over 25 years. She looked after many children of Fairfield and the surrounding community. Additionally, she was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church Women’s Group, Ladies of Hope and often attended Saturday night service before 2020.
Most of all Maxine loved being a mother, grandmother and a loving and devoted wife. She was famous for her baked goods – especially her sugar cookies. At Christmas, she would bake up to 15 different kinds. Her freezer was always stocked with cookies, sweet corn, and homemade strawberry jam. Maxine spent a great deal of time in her garden tending to her flowers in the spring and growing tomatoes in the summer. She loved country music and even learned to play guitar in her 70s! She enjoyed playing cards on the weekends with her friends and supporting her grandchildren in their various sports. She and her husband Jack never missed a game.
She is survived by her daughters, Lorie (Phil) Jackson, Julie (Frank) Fritz, and Pam (Greg) Baumann; six grandchildren, Travis, Adam, Sidney, Alex, Cameron, and Samantha; four great-grandchildren; sister, Carol; brother, Earl; brothers-in-law, Bill (Kay) Litton and Bob Litton, as well as extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.
She is proceeded in death by her husband Jack; parents, Carl and Delpha; brothers, Wayne and Tom; sister Evelyn; sisters-in-law, Loreta and Phylis; brother-in-law, Jimmy.
Maxine will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her passion for baking, and the calm strength and unwavering loyalty she exhibited throughout her life. Our special thanks to the Compassus Care Team out of Washington, Iowa (Kandis, Alex, Brenda, Ashley and Stephanie) and Carla Fleig.
