Ruth Maxine Crawford Costello

Ruth Maxine Crawford Costello, age 94, of Forney, Tx, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 4, 2017. Maxine was born June 16, 1922 to Cleon and Jewel Elizabeth (Lowry) Crawford in the Blackland community of Rockwall County, Texas. She was met in Heaven by her parents, her husband, William (Bill) Costello, Jr.; her brothers: John Crawford and his wife Billy Jean, Edward Crawford and his wife, Sally Jo; sisters: Jeanne Isbell and her husband, Jim, Jewel Lowry Bonner and her husband, Jimmy Lee. Maxine valued education and the achievement of new knowledge so after graduating Rockwall High School, she attended Southwest Texas State University and worked as a Resident Advisor at First Baptist Academy in San Marcos. She graduated from East Texas State Teachers College. She met, and then married on June 3, 1945, the love of her life William O. Costello, Jr. and they shared many years and memories together until his passing. Maxine’s life passions were family, faith, and education. At the age of 19, she moved to Forney to teach at a one room school house in the Lone Elm community. She then taught at Forney High School for several years before she and her family moved to Lawrence, Texas. There the family lived in the one room school house where she taught. After a few years, the family moved back to Forney and Maxine taught third grade for several years at Forney Elementary School. Afterward, she continued as a substitute teacher for several years while district manager with World Book Scholastic Division. Maxine was active as a member of the First Baptist Church of Forney, the Ruth Sunday School Class, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Forney Garden Club, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Texas Retired Teachers Association. Although she was a tireless advocator for education and civic involvement, Maxine was dedicated to her family and made sure that her unwavering support for each of their endeavors was well known to them. She continued this legacy of love by being a devoted Gan Gan to her grandchildren and great grandchildren and the many memories they made with time spent together will continue to be cherished by them all. A gentle spirit filled with selfless love for her family and friends, Maxine will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Maxine leaves to honor her legacy her children: William O. Costello, III, Dr. David Thomas Costello and wife, Mindy and Jane Elizabeth Costello; grandchildren: Keith and wife Aimee, Kevin and wife Christina, Scott, Caroline and Chloe Costello; great grandchildren: Liam, Lorelei, Lachlan, Hannah, Ava, Kole and Hunter; brother, Bob Crawford and wife, Carol as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. The family would like to especially thank Ann Costello, faithful sister-in-law, who provided tremendous support during Maxine’s last years in Forney. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Forney with the family receiving friends beginning at 1:00pm. Maxine will be laid to rest with her husband at Hillcrest Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Keith Costello, Kevin Costello, Scott Costello, Craig Bonner, Doug Bonner and Dale Crawford. For those wishing, memorials may be made in honor of Maxine to First Baptist Church of Forney, 1003 College Ave., Forney, TX, 75126 or to the Mick Spellman Museum, 202 Bois D’ Arc St., Forney, 75126. Condolences may be given at www.maxslaytonfunerals.com.