Maxine (Strole) Montgomery

Maxine (Strole) Montgomery, born on March 19, 1930, peacefully passed away on September 13, 2023, at the age of 93. She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and dedication.

Maxine's life was a tapestry of joy, commitment, and enduring love. In 1951, she united in marriage with Rex Montgomery (deceased), and together they were blessed with five children: Linda, Daniel, Gary (deceased), Mary Lou, and David.

Linda, a Purdue graduate, married Gary Butler, an Industrial Management/Engineering graduate of Purdue. They became parents to a son, Tadd, and twins, Lora, married to Jeff Young, and Lance.

Daniel, married to Andrea Luna, achieved an Associates degree from Vincennes University in 1973. They are parents to daughters Anna, married to Kris Berger, and Rosalind, as well as their son Garrett, and his wife Kseniya.

Mary Lou and Steven Elbert, both Purdue University graduates, parents to daughter Erin, married to Ryan Kilgore, son Jamen, married to Michelle, and daughter Britney, married to Francis Pingatore.

David, married to Cheryl Whaley Montgomery, earned an Associates degree from Vincennes University in 1981, is the parent of a daughter, Morgan, married to Chad Lincicum.

Maxine cherished her role as a grandmother, and her heart swelled with pride for her ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Her beloved grandchildren include Tadd Butler, Lora (Butler) Young, Lance Butler, Anna (Montgomery) Berger, Rosalind Montgomery, Garrett Montgomery, Morgan (Montgomery) Lincicum, Erin (Elbert) Kilgore, Jamen Elbert, and Britney (Elbert) Pingatore.

Maxine's great-grandchildren were a source of immense joy and included Audrey Butler, Ayden Butler, Lia Young, Kaelynn Young, Caden Young, Maksim Montgomery, Knox Berger, Josephine Berger, Claire Elbert, Thomas Elbert, Jayce Elbert, Ethan Kilgore, Amelia Kilgore, Dixon Lincicum, and Jovie Lincicum.

Maxine's education journey began at Brook High School and culminated in her graduation from Purdue University. She dedicated 33 years to teaching in the Newton County School Corporations, where she imparted her wisdom in the subjects of Home Economics and English.

Her nurturing spirit extended to lifetime memberships in Brook United Methodist Church and Centenary Methodist Church, where she attended, and for 35 years shared her faith as a Sunday School teacher. Maxine's dedication to education and community also shone through her 15-year involvement and leadership in 4-H, where also as a youth she achieved numerous Indiana State Fair awards.

Maxine Montgomery's life was a testament to love, family, and the enduring impact of a life well-lived. She will be forever cherished in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Brook, IN, Saturday November 4, 2023 at 11a.m CST. Dinner to follow at Brook United Methodist Church at 12p.m. CST where friends and family can gather to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life.

Rest in peace, Maxine, your legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved you.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Brook Chapel, 129 E. Main St., Brook, IN  47922.  (219) 275-6161.  www.kellerfh.com