Martha Maxine (Simmons) Sautter, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on June 30, 1932, near Johnsville, Ohio, to Carl and Helen (Boone) Simmons.
Known to everyone as Maxine, she grew up on a farm near Chesterville, where she developed the strong work ethic and self-sufficiency that would guide her throughout life. In 1950, Maxine graduated from Chester-Franklin High School, where she was a cheerleader and chosen to attend Buckeye Girls State, and later earned a degree from Mansfield Business College.
Maxine instilled in her family the values of hard work, independence, and creativity while sharing her love of gardening, canning, sewing, and baking. She also served as a 4-H leader before beginning her career with Lawyers Title Insurance Company and later working as a realtor with HER Realty in Columbus and Mercurio Realty in Mansfield.
A passionate researcher of family history, Maxine spent years tracing the family’s ancestry. She was a proud member of the Jared Mansfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was actively involved with Mansfield Sister Cities. Maxine especially cherished her thirteen years volunteering at What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe, supporting Hospice of Western Reserve.
Maxine loved traveling and remained active well into her 80s, playing tennis, riding her bike, and sharing adventures with friends. Yet her greatest joy was her family. As a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, she embraced every opportunity to attend sporting events, marching band performances, scouting activities, and academic milestones, celebrating each accomplishment with pride and joy.
She is survived by her children: Gerald Sautter of Bellville, Gayle (Wayne) Meadows of Mansfield, Jane Demyan of Florida, and Ann (Michael) McCabe of Roswell, Georgia; and her daughters-in-law, Terry Sautter of Tennessee and Gail Sautter of Bellville. Maxine also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Brielle (Steve) Miller, Colden (Shelly) Sautter, Broegan Sautter, Nicolle Mokros, Ryan (Megan) Knapp, Meghan McCabe, Conor McCabe, Hailee (Thomas) Austin, and Derek Sautter; and great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Kaden, Olivia, Ella, Sloane, Raina, Kiera and Arlo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ron Sautter; grandchildren Amnee and Chelsea Demyan; her brother, Dale Simmons; and sister-in-law, Rita Simmons.
A graveside service celebrating Maxine’s life will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10 am in Bellville Cemetery with Celebrant Jerry Wilson officiating. A reception will immediately follow at Maxine’s house where friends and family are invited to visit and continue in celebrating her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Western Reserve https://reserve-care.org
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to assist Maxine’s family with graveside services. We encourage you to share a fond memory or leave a condolence to her family on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com