Penny Ann Maxwell

Penny Ann Maxwell, 76, of Chanute KS passed away on December 26th 2025 in Joplin MO.

Visitation will be at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, MO at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM with internment at Mound Grove Cemetery immediately following.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Westview Baptist Church in Chanute KS on Saturday, January 10th 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Penny was born in New Orleans, LA on May 20th, 1949 to Paul and Alma Verner. She grew up the daughter of a military man and therefore moved around a lot, but they had family in Georgia and frequently returned there... She always considered that as home. She continued her travels into her adult life, living in Michigan with her sister Paula until moving to Independence MO. This is where Penny met the love of her life, her husband of 52 years, Glenn Maxwell, on a blind date in May of 1973. They were married 30 days later on June 22nd 1973.

Penny spent most of her time as a stay at home mom while raising their two children, sometimes doing part time sales for Avon or Tupperware. She also spent time as a sales associate at Rug Crafter inside Independence Center. When the time was right she started her career at GEHA where she held multiple positions until retiring in 2015.

Penny will be remembered as a kind, loving, thoughtful person with a beautiful soul who loved her God, her family, and her friends.

Penny and Glenn lived in Independence for several years, while there they were members of Susquehanna Baptist Church and considered them as family. In 2021 they decided it was time to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and moved to Chanute, KS. Here they found Westview Baptist Church and knew they were home.

Penny enjoyed all things Artsy; Quilting, painting, coloring, and writing poetry. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen. She loved to cook and enjoyed it even more when she was able to share her Knowledge and love with someone else. One of her favorite times of the year was Christmas cookie baking day. She could go from sun-up to bedtime on those days. She spent her time devoted to those she loved and her favorite days were spent with family and good friends. Penny loved cheering on her KC Chiefs, Sporting KC, and always rooted for the Army in the military games. She loved” Hallmark” movies and could watch them anytime of the year. Penny really enjoyed being outside, whether that was for a walk, a bike ride, volley ball in the backyard, or even yard work. Penny was an avid reader with her favorite books being the Bible and those that shone a light on her Lord Jesus Christ. Being a devoted Child of God, Penny knew she could always stand on her favorite verse “I can do all things through Christ who gives me Strength.”

Penny was proceeded in death by her parents Paul & Alma, her sister Paula Patterson and her brother Brian Glover.

She is survived by her husband Glen Maxwell of Chanute, KS, her children Darin Maxwell of Kansas City, MO, her daughter Staci (Robert) Ramirez of Independence, MO; Four grandchildren Benjamin (Allie Simpson) Ramirez, Rebekah (Judge) Lambert, Sarah (Brent Fannin) Ramirez, Taya (Michael Shearns Jr) Hackley and Seven Great-Grandchildren - Spencer, Rhyker, Malachi, Jaxon, Jonathan, Nathaniel, and Alice. And Sister Connie Pollock of Vacaville, CA.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or Westview Baptist Building Fund in her Honor.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)