Maxine Coleman Braby, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend was reunited with her husband on February 6, 2023, at the age of 95.
She was born to Pernal Alonzo and Virl Irene Coleman on July 10, 1927, in Wellington, Utah. Maxine was the eighth of 14 children. She was also the last surviving child. Maxine was known by many names, some of them including: Mom, Max, Red, Granny, G.G., and Mayor of Columbia.
Maxine “Granny” spent her childhood ice skating down the Price River to meet her friends, playing softball, roller skating, going to movies with her friends, and going to dances at the old park in Wellington. Maxine married the love of her life, Donald Braby, on November 29, 1946. Together they raised four children, and spent 34 years together full of happiness, love, and many many memories. Granny, also known as ‘Speed’ at the Sunny Bowl, was an avid bowler and spent many years on leagues with her close friends and family. They called her speed because it took her ball so long to get to the pins.
Maxine had a strong love for family, and at many times in her life found herself as a caregiver. She would always be there when called upon, and helped in any way she could, no matter the situation. She would often say, “Call me if you need anything and I’ll send someone.” Granny would never leave the house without her face on and her hair combed. This was due to her Coleman Pride. She instilled this pride in her grandkids when she would tell us to “fix your face.”
She spent her young adult life working at the Boarding House in Columbia, Utah. She would help cook two meals a day and prepare lunches for over 200 coal miners every day. She would also register the new miners as they arrived at the boarding house.
Granny was known for her cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy. She loved spending time with her extended family playing cards, doing her Indian dance, and yodeling. If Granny was ever mad at you, she threatened to take her shoe off and beat you with it, but she never did. One thing everyone knew about Granny, you were never allowed to use her hair brush or lay on her pillow. Also, you couldn’t say anything bad about her kids or grandkids.
Granny is survived by her children, Tawnie (Doug) Hintze of East Carbon, Terrie Zito of Sandy, Jeff (Joanne) Braby of Price, and Bart Braby of Battlement Mesa, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Michele Ekker, Nicole (Cletis) Steele, Mandy (Chris) Thurman, Emily (Matt) Jarrett, Matthew (Sara) Braby, Andy (Grace) Mills, Megan Braby, Luke (Katie) Braby; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, and one more on the way.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son-in-law, Richard Zito; parents; 13 siblings, Leta, Fawn, Bud, Jack, Geraldine, Perry, Rose, Tom, Dan, Bob, Baby, Russell, and Karen; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial service, Thursday, February 9, 2023, 10:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Maxine online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.