Maxine Killingsworth

Lena Maxine (Hayter) Killingsworth was born on August 30, 1926 in Eudora, Missouri and lived there until she married Lon Killingsworth from Walnut Grove, Missouri, where they lived on their farm most of their lives. She passed away in their home on March 19, 2026, at the age of 99.

Maxine, as she was known, was born to Nellie and Jim Hayter of Eudora, Missouri. She graduated from Walnut Grove High School and married soon after that to her love and classmate, Lon Killingsworth. They lived for a while in California while Lon was finishing his military assignment then moved to their home near Walnut Grove, Missouri. 

She was a faithful and supportive pastor’s wife, walking alongside Lon as they pastored Kelly Baptist Church and then Eudora Baptist Church. She was famous for her homemade rolls.

Maxine and Lon had four boys - Scotty, Gary, Lonnie and Mark. To these four boys were born 21 children. At her death, she had 58 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She is survived by Scotty and Diana Killingsworth of Walnut Grove, Missouri; Gary and Beverly Killingsworth of Springfield, Missouri; Lonnie Killingsworth of Walnut Grove, Missouri; and Vickie Killingsworth of Walnut Grove, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nellie and Jim Hayter; husband, Lon Killingsworth; sister, Velma Lee Shuler; brother, LS Hayter; son, Mark Killingsworth; daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lonnie (Valerie) Killingsworth, and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Scott (Gail) Killingsworth.

Maxine, affectionately known later in life as Grandma, was a product of WWII and the Great Depression. Her hospitality to everyone was extravagant. She loved to cook, sew, mow her yard, serve the church, her family and friends. She was basically a pioneer woman who could do most any task. She loved to sing and did so everywhere she went- either at church or with her quartet, the Harmonaires. Her alto voice could be heard above the crowd in most every setting. 

She was deeply loved by all of her huge family and especially the children. For decades she opened her kitchen and table every Saturday lunch for family or anyone who wanted to join the crowd. She was the local go-to and historian for information about anyone in the area.

She will be laid to rest beside her best friend and husband, Lon, in the Walnut Grove cemetery.

Maxine laid in state from 8-9:30a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Sac River Cowboy Church, and the family will not be present. Funeral services were 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Sac River Cowboy Church, Springfield, Missouri. 

Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home.