Maxie Hubbard Riley

Maxie Hubbard Riley of Florence, KY was born June 23, 1933 in Crane Nest, KY and died Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Florence, KY at the age of 92.

She was the daughter of the late Joe C. and Nora Sasser Hubbard. On April 23, 1955 she was united in marriage to her husband James William Riley, who preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 2023. In addition to her husband and parents, Maxie was also preceded in death by her brother, Edsel Hubbard, a grandson Jordan Buisman, a son-in-law Robert James, and a daughter-in-law, Jeanne Hackney Riley.

Maxie was raised on a farm and developed a grip strength during those years that seemed superhuman - just ask the muscular physician who recently asked her to squeeze his fingers as hard as she could.

Maxie and Bill were married for 68 years. They raised five kids who were thankful to be with her and help care for her together during her final days. Up until she began to decline just one week before her death, she enjoyed reading her Bible, taking in the view from the dining room table, sneaking treats to Bella, keeping up with friends on Facebook, eating banana pudding, ice cream, and smoothies, and helping out with light chores. She looked forward to visits from friends, neighbors, family, and great-grandchildren, and would reminisce about them for days and weeks afterward.

Maxie was faithful to take the children to church and was involved in various church groups and activities. Most recently, she was a member of the First Church of Christ, Burlington, KY.

Maxie was a homemaker for many years and spent time pursuing a variety of crafts. She made clothing, crocheted, cross-stitched, and quilted. Once her children were in school, she frequently worked in retail where she became well-acquainted with people in her local community. She also developed a small business making candles.

Maxie loved giving gifts. She may have single-handedly driven the beanie baby craze, faithfully sending them to grandchildren and extended family and friends. Her legacy lives on as some have gifted their beanie baby collections to the next generation. She was also famous for discovering treasures at consignment stores for the special people in her life - shoes, boots, bags, dresses, etc. Finding rich green and deep red satin, velvet, and lace Christmas dresses was her superpower. Anytime a birthday or wedding was on the horizon, she was ready to head to the mall to find the perfect thing.

One way Maxie showed love was through food. When her kids were grown and out of the house, Thanksgiving was the holiday everyone tried to come home and enjoy. Cornbread casserole and marinated carrots were recent specialties. She also shared cookies, candy, and sweet treats of every kind with friends, neighbors, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If you visited Nana and left hungry, something had gone wrong.

Whether close family or distant acquaintances, Maxie had great empathy and concern for anyone dealing with illness, injury, or loss. She asked for updates regularly, prayed for them, and enlisted others to do the same. She was ready to jump in and help in any way she could. We are so pleased that her struggle is now over.

Maxie is survived by two sons, Eric Riley of Independence and Bill (Lisa) Riley of Clear Lake, MN; three daughters, Teri (John) Meinzer of Florence, Tina (Patrick) Reiber of Independence, and Connie (Craig) Presley of Wichita, KS; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister Jo Ann (John) Brill of Union.

Visitation will be 11:00am-1:00pm Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the Elliston-Stanley Funeral Home in Williamstown, KY. Funeral Services will be at 1:00pm Wednesday at the funeral home followed by burial in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North