Maurine E. Calderwood, 85, of Seneca, KS, died Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at the Life Care Center in Seneca.

She was born May 11, 1925 in Franklin Township, KS, the second of six children born to Cecil Lee & Effie Johnson Bowser. She grew up on a farm southwest of Mayetta. Since Doris and Maurine were the oldest, Doris helped with the farming chores, while Maurine helped inside cooking and cleaning house. She attended New Century and Rock Brook Country School, and then two years at Holton High School.

She married Robert L. “Bob” Calderwood on December 26, 1942 in Lawrence, KS. Bob preceded her in death on May 14, 2006.

In May of 1957 Bob and Maurine opened the Lakeside Steakhouse near Lake Nemaha south of Seneca. Bob did the cooking and Maurine did whatever needed to be done. They started a “Supper Club” where members would meet once a month for socializing, drinks, dinner and dancing. Maurine loved to cook and Supper Club gave her a chance to be creative in preparing for events and dinners.

In 1959, they bought a dime store in Seneca and ran that by day while continuing to run the restaurant at night. They later sold the dime store to stay focused on the restaurant.

In 1965, they relocated the Lakeside Steak House to Seneca on the east end of the Highway 36 business district and renamed it Bob’s Sirloin Room. The Supper Club continued at the new location for several years until being discontinued. Bob’s Sirloin Room was especially well known far and wide for its Friday night prime rib special.

After 49 years of memorable food and service for locals as well as travelers through Seneca, Bob’s Sirloin Room closed in February 2005.

Maurine was active in the United Congregational Church, a member of Eastern Star for over 50 years, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, all in Seneca.

Besides her parents and her husband Bob, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Rodney Calderwood; and two brothers, Lyman and John Bowser.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Charles and Jennie Calderwood of Jacksonville, FL, Sharon and Mike Medica of Hot Springs Village, AR, Lyle and Susan Calderwood of Powder Springs, GA, and David and Margie Calderwood of Seneca; two sisters and their spouses, Doris and Evertt Kitrell of Holton, KS, and Alberta and Bill Townsend of Douglas, WY; one brother, Cecil Bowser of Mayetta, KS; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 7 to 8 PM Friday, March 25, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The funeral service will be 11 AM Saturday, March 26, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Seneca City Cemetery.

Memorials can be given for the Life Care Center of Seneca or the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, and sent in care of Lauer Funeral Home, or in care of the family at 929 146th Rd., Seneca, KS 66538.