Maxine Elnora Solomon

Maxine E. Solomon of Ft. Collins, Colorado passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2026 at the age of 92 surrounded by loving family. She was the only daughter of Ralph R. and Charlotte E. Thomas, also of Ft. Collins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. Robert (Bob) C. Solomon USAF Ret., her son SSGT. Richard L. Solomon USAF, and her brother Ralph J. Thomas.

Maxine was born on October 4, 1933 in Ft. Collins, Colorado. She attended Lincoln Elementary/Junior High School and graduated from Ft. Collins High School in 1951. She enjoyed working at Woolworth’s Five & Dime, and Bowen’s Bookstore at College Ave. & Oak St. during her high school years.

She soon met and married the love of her life, Bob Solomon of Timnath, Colorado. They moved to Evans, CO while Bob attended Colorado State College of Education(now the University of N. Colorado) in Greeley, CO., where he graduated with a BA from the Air Force ROTC program as a Second Lieutenant in 1954. Their first son Robert L. Solomon was born in 1954 in Greeley.

They began their many years of traveling with the military, and Maxine began her life as a Jet Fighter Pilot’s wife. It started in Bainbridge, GA, then Denton, TX, and Laredo, TX, where their second son Richard L. Solomon was born. Then on to Selfridge AFB in Mt. Clemens, MI, where their third son Kevin C. Solomon was born. Their first overseas assignment was Zaragoza AFB in Spain. They returned to the U.S in 1964 to George AFB in Victorville, CA. where they stayed while Bob trained pilots and served two tours in Southeast Asia flying fighters. It was there they had their fourth son Jesse A. Solomon. They returned to Madrid, Spain at Torrejon AFB in 1970. In 1972 they transferred to Bentwaters AFB in England UK where Bob was the commander of the 91st TFS and Maxine enjoyed being a squadron commander’s wife. Next came an assignment at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL, and then on to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV. where Bob and Maxine finished his military career. Maxine was proud to be a dedicated officer’s wife and mother to her four boys.

Upon retirement from the Air Force they moved back to Ft. Collins, Colorado where their elderly parents lived. Bob completed his Master’s Degree at Colorado State University and Maxine worked as the lunchroom cashier at Lincoln Junior High School where she enjoyed being around the students. They both became very active in the American Legion at George Beach Post 4 in Laporte, CO., with Bob serving as the adjutant and the commander, and Maxine as the secretary and president of the Ladies’s Auxiliary.

Maxine’s greatest virtue was being a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She was a caregiver for her elderly mother, her husband Bob until his death in 2000, and then her elderly father who lived to 102 years old. Her dedication was truly inspiring. When it was her turn to be looked after she moved in with her son Jesse and his wife Stacy. They opened up their home to her and showed the same love, care, and dedication that she had shown her parents. She lived with them until her death.

Maxine was selfless and kind, with a sweet demeanor and a great sense of humor! Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed bowling, knitting, and puzzles.

She is survived by her sons Robert Solomon(Robin) Georgetown CO, Kevin Solomon (Michelle) Valrico FL, Jesse Solomon(Stacy) Ft. Collins CO, and her son Richard’s widow Teri Solomon Valrico FL. Her grandchildren Brent Solomon Tampa FL, Richard Solomon(Sara Danielle) Brandon FL, Terace Viney(Seth) Monument CO, Shannon Markusen(Pete) Longmont CO, Adam Follet(Tessa) Colorado Springs CO, Carl Solomon(Breanna) Lakeland FL, Charlotte Solomon Windsor CO. Also step granddaughter Maile Tillman(Josh) Littleton CO.

She had 9 great-grandchildren, Andrew, Addison, Ari, Jude, Daniel, Carson, Brody, Ava, Ella and 3 step great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Jayce, and Melrose.

A private graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery. A celebration of Maxine's life will be held from 1-3pm on Saturday June 27, 2026 at the American Legion, George Beach Post #4, 2124 County Road 54G, Ft. Collins, CO 80524. In lieu of flowers we ask that you send a donation to your favorite charity in her name.