Maxine Kay Vink (Brilhartt-Johnson)

Maxine Vink (Brillhart-Johnson), 81, of Missoula passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025 at her son’s home surrounded by family. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.

Maxine Kay Vink, daughter of Ross and Irene (Clapper) Brillhart, was born February 13, 1944 in Orville, Ohio. The family moved to Lolo when Maxine was three years old. She grew up on a ranch, riding horses and loving the great outdoors of Montana. She graduated from Missoula County High School. Maxine was united in marriage with Corrie Vink in 1986. She worked at the Humane Society and Daily’s after her sons graduated, but Maxine was most proud of her REAL job, being a great mom.

Maxine was tough as nails and was known for being very straight forward. She loved supporting her son’s and grandchildren’s sports activities. Maxine enjoyed listening to Elvis, watching Johnny Carson and cheering on Gonzaga basketball. She always had an affinity to frogs throughout her life. Above all else, she was a proud mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish her memory are her four boys, Ross (Shelley) Johnson; Rock (Laura) Johnson; Rodney (Dotty) Johnson; Randall (Tina) Johnson; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Luella (John) Lokemon; Thelma Cole; Blondie the Cat; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Maxine was preceded in death by parents, Ross and Irene Brillhart; husband; Corrie Vink; siblings, Charles Brillhart; Rita Brillhart; and Wayne Brillhart.