Maxine L. Skala, 81 of Cedar Rapids died Friday, December 29, 2006 at Grinnell Hospital from a brief illness.  Funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.  Burial will follow in St. Johns Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids where there will be a 6 p.m. rosary.

Maxine was born July 23, 1925 in Brooklyn the daughter of Martin and Arlene Elwood Benda.  She married Donald R. Skala November 5, 1946 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother.  She loved spending time with her family especially the grandkids.  Maxine worked for many years a bartender at the Cedar Rapids Country Club.  She liked to bake, cook and take trips with her friends. She was an avid Hawkeye and Cubs fan.   Maxine was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and also St. Monicas Circle.

Maxine is survived by her husband of over 60 years Don, her children Shirlee(Marvin) Lynn, Jim Skala, Gary (Lori) Skala, Bob Skala, Lori (Ron) Grant, Debbie (Randy) Kellison, and David (Julie) Skala; a sister Pat Ritchey;  twenty grandchildren John(Tiffany) Lynn, Paul(Julie) Lynn, Lisa (Jeff) Rhinehart, Shari (James) Ross, Shane (Cath) Skala, Kristi (Jarin) Hansen, Megan, Jenny, Katie and Trisha Skala, Ashley, Kyle and Zachary Grant, Britni, Brooke and Blake Kellison ,Taylor, Derrick, Nathan and Lauren Skala; sixteen greatgrandchildren Anthony, Eris, Garner, Colton, Mackenzie, Hunter and Dalton Lynn, Shelbee and Morgan Rhinehart, Jacob and Sydney Ross, Amaya and Malik Skala, Caden Hansen, Makayla Coutentos and Baby Zerbee on the way, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother Martin Benda Jr. and a grandson Jeffrey Lynn.

Memorials may be directed to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.