A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose sage leadership and exquisite creative talents brought warmth, color and joy into the lives of so many, Donotha Sue Maynard passed away on August 24, 2024, in her lifelong home of Fillmore, CA.
Born in Oxnard, CA, on October 31, 1941, Sue had a lovely childhood surrounded by her parents, siblings, aunts and uncles. A self-proclaimed tomboy, she spent those early years roaming the streets with a pack of kids — including her very best friends, Martha White and Jim Arundell — eating citrus fruits off trees until the sun sank into the horizon.
In high school, the vivacious, auburn-haired beauty with warm hazel eyes was a popular and engaged student, a member of the pep squad who was crowned freshman homecoming princess.
Later in life her hair leaned blonde and Sue became known as the pretty mail lady who looked like Angie Dickinson. Long nails — often painted a fiery red — were a part of her signature look, and in her later years she regularly donned Margaret Sullivan pendants featuring cheeky sayings like “Shut your pie hole!”
A strong, feisty, and funny woman, you could always count on Sue for her candor. Thoughtful and generous, she was the first to lend an ear and offer support. Sue was also a leader of youth, shepherding local kids through 4-H for many decades. Her guidance and expertise led to numerous champion hogs and expert showman being born from the Fillmore area.
An avid collector and picker, you could frequently find Sue perusing antique shops, estate sales and thrift stores. As a talented artist and creative, her finds would weave their way into her artwork; friends and family received beloved hand-drawn cards for all occasions, as well as crafted goods made from repurposed antiques and salvaged materials — mementos which they will forever cherish.
Sue had a superb eye for design and loved creating displays of her treasures, collectibles and creations in her home, as well as decorating for holidays, particularly her lifelong favorite (and day of her birth), Halloween. Her yard was full of life and color, a carefully tended habitat for hummingbirds and monarchs, and her thoughtfully curated porch was a sight to behold in every season.
Despite her many talents and accomplishments, Sue’s greatest pride by far was her beautiful family. Many memories were made when they all gathered around the dining room table, eating her delicious home-made meals, preserves, and pies with perfect crust. An exceptional hostess, she created a home filled with warmth, beauty, and love, where everyone felt welcomed and seen.
Sue is survived by her husband Garland Maynard of Fillmore, CA; children Kellie Warriner of Ojai, CA, and Patrick Maynard of Ventura, CA; granddaughter Caitlin Phillip of Los Osos, CA;
great-grandchildren Elwood Phillip and Fern Phillip of Los Osos, CA; sister Gail Wade of Humansville, MO; and her beloved dogs Bruno and Brix.
She joins in heaven two of her children Aaron Paul Maynard and Holly Mechele Hight; her best friend
Martha Brown; her brother Kenneth Vest; and many other friends and family.
Sue had a wise soul, a big personality, and a huge heart. There was no one like her in the world and she will be dearly missed by her family and the entire Fillmore community where she was a teacher and confidante to many. Her support of local youth and the wisdom she imparted will live on in future generations, and we will never forget her. In the words of Pericles: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”