Leota Maxine Engler's Obituary
Leota Maxine Engler, 88, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
She was born on December 22, 1936, in McCune, Kansas, to Virgil P. and Helen M. (Beery) Stewart. Maxine grew up in rural McCune and graduated from McCune Rural High School. In 1955, she moved to Pittsburg, where she completed additional coursework at Pittsburg State University (formerly Kansas State Teachers College).
Maxine was united in marriage to James A. Engler in September 1973. He preceded her in death in May 1999.
Throughout her career, Maxine worked in the Southeast Kansas field office of the State Geological Survey before serving as an Administrative Secretary in the Personnel Office, Porter Library, HPER/Athletic Office, and Career Services at Pittsburg State University. She dedicated a total of 37½ years to PSU. After retiring, she continued to stay active by working part-time for PSU Enrollment Services.
She was a faithful member of the Crawford County Church of Christ in Pittsburg, where she built many cherished friendships and found joy in serving others.
Maxine is survived by her children, Diana K. Muse of Pittsburg, KS; Mark W. Hill (John Bane) of Smithton, IL; and Amy L. Spencer (Shawn) of Kansas City, MO; stepchildren, Daniel Engler of Springfield, MO, and Margaret A. Engler of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Jonathan M. (Candace) Hill and Ty W. Muse of Pittsburg, KS, and Cooper J. Spencer and Gunther C. Spencer of Kansas City, MO; great-granddaughter Charlie Anne Hill, step-grandson, Sam Engler of Springfield, MO and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil P. and Helen M. (Beery) Stewart; her sister, Raemae Lee Hammonds; one brother and one sister who died in infancy; and her husband, James A. Engler.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Crawford County Church of Christ Building Fund. These may be mailed or sent to the funeral home at 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home.
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