of Little Rock, AR

July 8, 1930 - July 4, 2025

Ellen Maxine Rail of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease. She was born on July 8, 1930 in Ft. Douglas, Arkansas to Esther and Richard Phillips.

Maxine graduated from Dardanelle, Arkansas High School and received her B.A. Degree with a major in Elementary Education in 1952 from The College of the Ozarks (University of the Ozarks) in Clarksville, Arkansas. On May 31, 1953 she married William A. Rail at the Chapel on the campus of The College of the Ozarks (The University of the Ozarks)

She taught Elementary School in Elizabeth, Illinois; Clarksville, Arkansas; Rogers, Arkansas and Lowell, Arkansas. She taught several grades, including grades 2-6 and after 32 years retired from the Rogers School District.

Maxine absolutely loved teaching eager minds and tried to help each child to believe in oneself. She showed love and care to each student, believing every child deserved the absolute best. Her students loved her and thought she was the nicest teacher they ever had. Maxine knew from when she was a little girl that she wanted to be a teacher and dedicated years of teaching the ''whole child'' leaving a lasting and positive influence in so many young lives.

Maxine received various honors and awards during the span of her years of teaching. She was selected as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America in 1972, nominated for Arkansas Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1978 and was chosen Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Rogers Chamber of Commerce in 1983.

She served her churches faithfully as a Presbyterian minister's wife and rejoiced in singing in church choirs for decades. She enjoyed painting, crafts, calligraphy, sewing, cooking and baking. She was especially known for her Swedish Tea Rings that were both delicious and considered works of art. Her famous ''Ft. Douglas'' cookies were another favorite, especially with her grandchildren. They looked forward to eating handfuls when they would visit. She loved her family deeply, treasured her grandchildren, always showering them with unconditional love. They were the absolute joy in her life.

She was a woman of deep faith and was known for her kindness and care. It was just who she was to send cards of love and support to so many people throughout the years until she was no longer able to do so.

Left to cherish her life and memory is her husband of 72 years, William A. Rail; daughter, Sue Ellen Rail-Wilkerson (Danny); sister, Mary Sue Powers (Jim); grandchildren, Kristin Snyder, Alex Wilkerson (Alisha), Ashton Herrington (Sam); great-grandchildren, Jude and Eliza Snyder. Maxine is preceded in death by her son, Michael Anderson Rail and sisters. Alice Ellis and Ava Hardwicke.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the countless caregivers who over the past several years provided comfort and loving care to Maxine: First Choice Senior Care, Parkway Heights Assisted Living, Parkway Health Center and Baptist Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The University of the Ozarks Michael A. Rail Scholarship Fund, The Arkansas Food Bank or Ozark Food Harvest in Springfield, MO.

Memorial service with Rev. Jeff Price officiating will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4501 Rahling Road, Little Rock, AR 72223.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com