Maxine Kathryn (Schmitt) Bannister, born December 26, 1941, on the Schmitt family farm near Tipton, Kansas, passed peacefully on October 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 83.

The youngest girl of seven children born to Nicholas and Madeline (Matheis) Schmitt, Maxine attended Tipton Catholic Schools and graduated from Tipton High in 1959. She met her husband, Ray in Kansas City, Missouri, while working at Jewel Tea Company and he was serving in the Air Force. They married on April 14, 1962 and moved to California in 1963.

Maxine worked for Montgomery Ward in Oakland for 22 years, then for the Hayward Unified School District until her retirement in 1999. A devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Lorenzo for over 60 years, she volunteered at the school coaching volleyball, softball, and cheer, often sewing the cheer uniforms and pom-poms herself.

A lifelong Oakland A’s fan, Maxine held season tickets for more than 40 years and later volunteered at the games after retiring, which brought her so much joy. She was also passionate about Bishop O’Dowd High School athletics, serving as the official basketball scorekeeper for three different boys basketball coaches for over two decades. Her and her husband Ray opened their home hosting many team gatherings.

Known for her generosity and baking, Maxine’s cakes, cupcakes, and Christmas candies were beloved by many.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Nicholas and Madeline Schmitt (Matheis), sisters Marylene Cordel (Leo), Lois Gengler (Robert), Claire Jean Kohn (Alex), her brothers Ralph Schmitt (Laurine) and Harry Schmitt.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 63 years, Ray Bannister of San Lorenzo, son Mike Bannister (Naomi) of San Ramon, daughter Jodi Lewis (Vince) of Idaho; grandchildren Renae Lewis (Josh), Jessica Davila (Gary), Jared Bannister (Ysabelle); great-grandchildren Greyson, Griffyn, and Kaison; brother Richard Schmitt (Carolyn) of Cawker City, KS; sister-in-law Phyllis Schmitt of Tipton, KS; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services:

Visitation Thursday, November 13, 4–6 p.m., Vigil at 6 p.m., Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, November 14, 10:30 a.m., St. John’s Catholic Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, with reception following in the Gym. Private burial at Holy Sepulchre.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Athletic Association, 270 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580, noting “Maxine Bannister” on the memo line.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Kaiser Hospice, Nurse Ester Tun, and the staff at Landmark Villa for their kindness and compassion.