MAXINE MYRA BREEDLOVE

Maxine Myra Breedlove passed peacefully in her sleep on January 27th, 2023 in Cape Coral, Florida. Born Maxine Myra Reifenstahl on May 25, 1925 to William Fred Reifenstahl and Mary Florence Reifenstahl [nee Dando] in Santa Monica, California.

Bright and curious, young Maxine excelled in academics. An honor student studying advanced mathematics and Latin in High School, Maxine was bound for university when WWII altered her plans.

On October 28, 1944 she married her High -School love Charles William Hill who would shortly depart for duty as an Army Airman. While Charlie served abroad Maxine served at home as a "Rosie the Riveter" in the Long Beach California shipyards. She would weld, rather than rivet. Her diminutive size resulting in her selection to be suspended by her feet into the narrow space between the ship's double-walled hulls, welding the inner seams while hanging upside-down. After the War, Maxine and Charlie raised their two children, Charles Leonard Hill and Judith Christine Hill [later Heintz.] Charles William Hill would pass away in 1975.

Years later she met, fell in love and in 1981 married Navy veteran and entrepreneur Murphy Bell Breedlove and together they would help shape the small town of Beatty Nevada. As one of the first women in Nevada to hold a gaming license, she and Murphy ran the iconic Exchange Club Casino of Beatty for many years before retiring to enjoy an active life of travel and adventure. They toured most of the U.S. and Mexico in their RV piloted by Murphy- once inadvertently joining a Parade in New York.

Maxine's happiness in her Florida years is evident in her effervescent smile, seen daily by her beloved Son Charlie Leonard Hill and his lovely wife Irene Parker. Together Charlie and Irene would care for Maxine in the final 16 years; surrounding her with love. She adored the wildlife and scenery of their Pine Island home, spending hours watching the birds and otters pass their dock.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 26 years Murphy Bell Breedlove, and her daughter Judith Christine Heintz, and in her own words "a lot of other people, too."

She is survived by her son Charles Leonard Hill, grandchildren Melody, Nicholas, Charlie, Michael, Joe, and Kelly and over a dozen great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Throughout her life she supported several causes close to her heart. A long-time donor to the Mouth & Foot Painting Artists MFPA USA and to The Humane Society to her last days.

Her adventurous spirit, inspiring charm and mischievous twinkling eyes delighted all who knew her. As a lifelong reader, quick wit, and ready with the perfect quote (often in Latin) she inspires her growing family still.

Maxine Myra Breedlove, you will be loved and missed for many years to come.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the MFPA-USA or your local humane society.

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