Viola Maxine Sells

Viola Maxine Sells, age 75, passed away on August 27, 2025. Maxine was born on March 22, 1950, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Howard and Mary Daniels. She was blessed with 3 sisters, Clara Meeks, Lela Buzbee, Shirley McCoy and 3 brothers, Buster Daniels, Sonny Boy Daniels, Tom Daniels and Terry Daniels.

At 75 years young, Maxine lived a life full of love and purpose. She had three sons, Shelby Don Sells, Tony Wayne Sells, and Teddy Lee Sells, as well as a grandson whom she raised as her own, Hesston Decker Sells. Her love for her boys was unwavering, and they would forever be her “babies” in her heart. Her family blossomed just like the gardens and the flowers she tended to, all blessed to know her embrace, her stories, her wisdom.

Maxine leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Justin Sells of Sallisaw, Hesston Sells and wife, Brandy of Brushy, Brendon Sells of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jade Sells of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Chris Sells of Brushy, Teddy Wayne Sells and wife, Kelsey of Sallisaw, Brandie Jones and husband Dallas of Sallisaw, Tripp Sells of Sallisaw, Ashton Darcy and husband Keith of Brushy.

Maxine wasn’t just “Granny” to her grandkids; she even took on a few extras who proudly claimed her as their Granny. She also leaves behind 12 great-grandkids: Payton, Logan, Lettie, Ella, Teddy River, Mylie, Mia, Gracey, Taiden, Kloe, Halle, and Allison Rose.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Sells; Dovie Gardenhire; her brothers, Terry Daniels and Tom Daniels; and her sister, Clara Meeks. Maxine was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many.

In her final days, she was filled with joy knowing that a 13th great-grandchild was on the way- a new life she had already begun to love.

Maxine worked hard all her life, and up until just a month before her passing, you could find her working side by side with her “baby” Teddy at Ted’s Building Supply or with her grandson Hesston at Ted’s Discount Lumber in Stilwell. All knew her, called her Granny. In her free time, you could find her in her garden or taking care of her chickens. And she loved to bake, for every special event, every birthday, she would bake her legendary strawberry cake.

We will miss her voice, her laughter, her stories, but we will forever carry her with us in our hearts. Rest well, you've earned your peace, and we will forever keep your memory blooming.

There will be a viewing for Maxine in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services on Monday, September 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Maxine’s service will be held on Tuesday, September 02, 2025, at 10:30 am in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services, Sallisaw, OK., with a graveside service to follow at Brushy Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Hesston Sells, Justin Sells, Chris Sells, Teddy Wayne Sells, Tripp Sells, Sean Smith, with Max Ford will be officiating.