Maxine American Horse

Maxine Doris (Vincent) American Horse, 66, Rushville, NE died December 25, 2020 at the Gordon Memorial Hospital in Gordon, NE.

Maxine was born April 12, 1954 in Rushville, NE to August and Evelyn (Furman) Vincent. She grew up on the family ranch south of Rushville. She skipped kindergarten because, as she put it, "She excelled in sandbox”. She spent her grade school years at the Mill school and graduated from Rushville High School in 1971, where she held the girls shot put record for a while - "not bad considering she threw it like a baseball". She furthered her education in Sidney, NE studying accounting, later pursuing Nursing.

On Dec 29,1972 she married Larry Watson and they had three boys: Vincent, James, and Nicholas. They remained married until his death in 1980. During this time, she completed her Nursing degree through OLC in Pine Ridge.

On August 22, 1984 she married Donald “Hokus” American Horse, Sr., which added his five daughters: Debra, Emily, Dorothy, Crystal, and Sharon to the family. They then had two biological children Donald, Jr. and Lisa. They adopted Lisa's son, Alexander, after her untimely death in 2009. Hokus and Maxine continued to create memories together until her death.

She spent her adult life working as a Registered Nurse at various places across the country. The majority of her nursing years were spent at IHS in Pine Ridge, S.D., retiring in 2016 after 28 years of service.

Maxine was always one to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. She had a “My door is always open" policy to anyone who needed a place to stay, a little advice, a little butt chewing, just an ear that was willing to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or that occasional "cookie cruncher" when needed. A mother first and foremost (to more than just her own kids), she was always proud of the things they accomplished. She loved just about everyone she met, but we all knew she loved Elvis the most. Well, it might be a tie between Elvis and anything purple. She also enjoyed playing cards and reading books. She had an enormous sense of humor and was not above the occasional practical joke. Christmas was her absolute favorite time of the year and you had to be sure to use the good tape or it would “magically” fall off her packages.

Maxine touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Leo and Edith Furman, and Theophil & Angeline Vincent; parents, August and Evelyn; first husband, Larry; and daughter Lisa Kay.

She is survived by her husband Donald “Hokus”, Sr., children: Vince, James, Debra, Emily, Nick, Dorothy, Crystal, Sharon, Donald Jr. (JR), Alexander, and their families including 19 grandkids, and 1 great-grandchild. Brother, Roger Vincent and family; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, "extended family" and friends.

A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.

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