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68 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2024 | Friends we will miss Submit your Friends We Will Miss to sunlakesnews@yahoo.com. Please keep remembrances to 400 words and include one recent, high-resolution photo. Billie Maxine Allen, age 95, passed away December 5, 2023. A resident of Sun Lakes for 30 years, she lived a life full of joy. Maxine was the matriarch of our family, proud of her kids, Connie Kelly-Wood, Patricia Norcutt, and Douglas Allen, and her grandkids, Cindy, Kim, Michael, Laurie, Mark, Jennifer, and Andrea, and great-grandkids. Born in Oklahoma, she prided herself on being an "Okie." She married Dalton Allen shortly after WWII and their love story lasted 69 years until his passing eight years ago. They were long-time Lake Havasu snowbirds enjoying boating and fishing. Maxine loved people. She especially enjoyed sitting out front chatting with all the neighbors who stopped by. She would boast to everyone how she was the "oldest lady" on the block. She was kind, upbeat, smart, and funny. Maxine, you will be missed. Esther G. Mejia: February 22, 1931 - December 19, 2023 Esther was born in Claremont, California. Surviving Esther is husband Robert (Bob) Mejia, daughters Jerry DeVreugd (husband Ray), Jo Ann Smith (husband Philip), Jackie Kent (husband Greg), eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Esther was raised in LaVerne, California and attended Bonita High School. She was one of the school's majorettes. Working occasionally at her friend's family's restaurant, she learned the "ins 'n outs" which was reflected in her home life. She was the perfect hostess for many celebrations. Upon graduation, Bob and Esther were married and resided in Pomona, California. She was employed as a Credit Supervisor at Unimart and Credit Manager for Harris & Frank Men's Store, retiring from Harris & Frank in 1978. She was active in the YWCA of Pomona, Upland Y Women, and Assistance League of the Foothills. Her love of fashion led her to model in fundraising fashion shows. Her true character was love, kindness, and generosity for those around her. She loved travel and music. In 1991 they moved to Sun Lakes. While living here, Esther belonged to a book club, Garden Club, Friendship Club, and Dinner Dance Club. In 1991-1992, she was one of the first editors of Lifestyles magazine with Marvin Haas. Bob and Esther shared many interests. One continued passion was for USC Trojan football. Season ticket holders and members of the USC Trojan Club of San Gabriel Valley for over 40 years, they made many travel memories during away games and tailgate gatherings with extended family members. Esther was a devoted wife and their 75-year marriage is a love story for the ages. She saw Bob at a carnival and was determined to meet him; she asked him what time it was and from then on they never let go of each other. "Esther was the love of my life. Farewell until we're together again." She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and most of all, a caring friend and a faithful soul to our Lord Jesus with whom she rests in peace.