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.
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17 Condolence(s)
Dipak
Saturday, July 19, 2025
My Met Sue Ellen’s mother several times during my years at Ozarks University - they were brief, but still hold fond memories of her. .. she was gracious and quite prim and proper ❣️
My sincere condolences ..
Sarah Davidson Jackson
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Praying for peace and comfort for the Rail family. Sue, Kathy and I did spend a lot of time at the Rail's house. I have fond memories of Maxine's Swedish Tea Ring, her singing in the choir at 1st Presbyterian in Rogers along with so many more cherished memories.
Mary Ellen Gates Wilensky
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
I love this family, and I loved Maxine Rail. She was kind, beautiful inside and out, and someone you would love to be like. I grew up in church with her and her family. Mike and Sue Ellen were good friends. May God wrap his loving arms around her family and give them comfort at this time. May fond memories of times with her fill their hearts. Sending much love.
Kathy Seaton-Johnson
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Dear Family,
I spent a lot of wonderful times at the Rail's house in Jr. High and High School in Rogers, Ar. Sue, Sarah and I were best friends during that time. It was like a second home. I will always cherish those times and the love Bill and Maxine showed towards me. Hugs and prayers sent to the whole family. Maxine was a godly, beautiful and wonderful women and I am blessed to have known her. ❤️
Kathy Ketron McClure
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Condolences on the loss of Maxine. I had her as my teacher at Southside Elementary in Rogers and she truly was my favorite teacher. She was kind and made sure that everyone learned. I’m sure she will be missed by many. Prayers for peace and comfort during your time of loss.
Lisa Buck
Monday, July 14, 2025
Dr. Wilkerson,
Your family is in my thoughts-sincere condolences to you all.
Bonnie Grimes
Monday, July 14, 2025
Maxine left me with many fond memories of our days at Southside School. She was a treasure, loved by many.
Sheree Miller
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Prayers and condolences to the Rail Family.
Sheree Miller
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Prayers and condolences to the Rail Family.
William “Bill” Branch
Friday, July 11, 2025
God’s blessings to Bill and all the family.
Laura Jane Colber
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Maxine was a colleague at Lowell Elementary School - a master teacher. Not only did she love and care for her students, but also for the whole school staff. For me, she was an encourager. I treasure the many notes she sent me. The world has lost a very special person.
Scarlett Morris
Thursday, July 10, 2025
I sat next to Maxine in choir when we lived in Bentonville. She was a sweet, calming presence. Life well lived, Maxine!
Kay Benbow
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
I have so many wonderful memories of Maxine and Bill and am saddened to hear of her passing. She was an outstanding lady and we were fortunate to have had her in our lives. Love and prayers to Bill and Sue
Alana Tyson
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Precious soul. Infinite love and blessings to Maxine and all her family and loved ones.
Thames Jeff
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
We are so sorry to hear Maxine’s passing. She, Bill and my parents were good friends for many years. She and Bill helped us find our way to NWA and we have been forever blessed to have shared time with them.
Love and prayers to all the family.
Phil Hardwicke
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Much love and sympathy to Uncle Bill, cousin Sue Ellen, Aunt Sue and the whole family.
Sarah McKay
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Wonderful tribute - she was a special person that will be deeply missed.