Joe and Rose Ellen Freeman

Sunday, May 9, 2021

So very sorry for your loss.
Remembering you all in our prayers.

Danny and Freda Vinson

Saturday, May 8, 2021

George our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Hope you remember us .Danny and you worked for fence co years ago. Could tell you had a loving mother and such a sad time to give her up May God Bless you all.

Dan Whittington

Thursday, May 6, 2021

I did not have the chance to know Mama Pete but I have witnessed the legacy that she has left behind. Her example of devotion to her husband, and love for her family, will surely be remembered by all of those who knew her well. The family that she leaves behind are evidence of a pattern of love and hard work that was learned from her. My condolences to the family.

Jim Payne

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

I'm so sorry. Your all in my deepest thoughts. Love, Jim Payne

Sonny and Sue Ekdahl

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

We feel bless beyond measure to be included in the extensive family of Mama Pete. She was a fine example of a good woman and it was a privilege to know her. A blended family is a loving family and that is what the Strain Family is. May God grant all of you Peace through this time of saying goodby.
Love and Sympathy,
Sonny and Mama Sue Ekdahl

Kathy Payne

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

So sorry to hear about Aunt Maxine . I didn't realize how much her & my Granny looked alike. Sorry for your loss .

Theresa Smith

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Strain family. May the Lord comfort this beautiful family during the loss of Momma Pete.

Crystal Harrison

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

What a sweet, wonderful lady. Love you all and praying for your comfort in this difficult time.

Nancy Hurst

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

My sincere condolences to the family. You all will be in my prayers.

Tom Harrington

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Rick, George and family, I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all

Johnnye StalterA wonderfu

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

A wonderful woman

Mary Mergenschroer

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Prayers & love this this family.

ida Kay Row

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Thankful Aunt Prte has been with her family so many years. Many memories of her and the girls when we were growing up. One of the best cooks. There were many in the family. My prayers and heart are with you through this time. Hard to believe all the aunts and uncles are gone except for Emma Lois.

Nelda English

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Mrs. Strain was always such a sweet lady. I loved her smile and her kind voice. She has truly been blessed in this life with such a loving family to care for her. My love and heartfelt condolences to you all. You are all in my prayers. ❤️🙏

Sue young

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

To the family of mama Pete she was a wonderful woman I can do almost anything God bless the family and God bless mama Pete now shit race with daddy Dan love you all

BEA WATSON-MAJOR

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Hugs and prayers for the Strain Family on the loss of your precious Maxine.
When I think of her this morning, these words come to me from 2 Timothy 4:6
''I have fought a good fight, I have finished the work I was sent here to do. I have kept the faith''. Fly to Jesus sweet Maxine.
Bea, Ron, Courtney, Hendrix and Halen Major

Jeannie Ressler

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

My sincere condolences to your family. May she rest in the arms of our loving father.

Jerry&Janice(Crockett) Burlison

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Our Love & Prayers to Your Sweet Family

Nathan Murphree

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Very sweet lady we will miss her smile so much

Nathan Murphree

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Very sweet lady we will miss her smile so much

Phillip Parish

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

My heart and prayers are with all of Emma Strain's surviving children, their spouses, her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all of her friends. May the good memories of their mother's life help ease their loss.

Ricky D Strain

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Mama Pete Obituary: Please post the obituary rather than showing me signing the guestbook.

Erma Maxine Lester Strain passed away peacefully on Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Strain home near Rose Bud, surrounded by family. The daughter of William Minor and Ida Owen Lester was born on September 15, 1925, at the Lester homeplace on Old Springfield Road near Rose Bud. Outside of three years in Oklahoma, she lived on the Strain farm her entire married life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, 10 months, and 9 days, Willis (Dan) Strain on April 17, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents and 9 siblings: Cleo Allen, Amos Lester, Leone Jobe, Lonzo Lester, Sidney Lester, Virgie Peters, Billy Lester, Eva Jean Baldridge, and Dwayne Lester.

She is survived by her 5 children: Gale (Jerry) Hansen of Searcy; Jo Ann Blakely of Searcy; Mary Beth (Kenneth) Harrison of Romance; George Strain of Rose Bud; Rick Strain of Rose Bud; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Emma Lois Lester, and numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.

Maxine was known to most people as Mama Pete or Aunt Pete. A lifelong dairy farmer, she was one of the hardest working people you've ever met. She was known far and wide for her wonderful cooking. She was in love with Dan her entire life, and she always took care of everyone around her. There was nothing she loved better than holding babies. She lived a life to be proud of, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday 6-8 pm at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. The funeral will be held at 10 am Friday at Roller-Daniel chapel. Graveside service will immediately follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Rose Bud.

Pallbearers will be Kirk Robertson, Paul Harrison, Jeremy Harrison, Scott Blakely, Steven Strain, Will Strain, Daniel Strain, and Sam Strain. Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Blakely, Jay Hansen, and Troy Hansen.

Our eternal gratitude to Granddaughter Margaret Strain, whose loving devotion allowed us to keep Mama Pete in the family home for these many years.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sandra Healy, Linda Neighbors, and Autumn Landreth for their loving care during her final years. The staff of Elite Hospice was truly a blessing to our mother and the entire family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery Fund, 3000 Rosebud Road, Quitman, AR 72131.