Maxine L. Henkel

Maxine L. Henkel, 83, completed life’s earthly journey and entered her eternal home on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Maxine was born in Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania on July 15, 1931 to the late Charles and Wilda Wood. She spent most of her life in Akron, Ohio where she first met Walter Henkel at a neighborhood cookout; they went to a movie and came back engaged. They were married on September 9, 1948 and have served the Lord, side by side over the past 66 years still holding hands ‘til her last breathe. Maxine graduated from Springfield High School and retired from Akron Public Schools as a secretary.

But what she enjoyed most was time with her family; whether it was family picnics at Wingfoot, spending time with her kids and especially her grandkids, cooking their favorite foods, watching their sport activities, teaching each one how to play her favorite game of Chinese checkers, or a competitive game of spoons. She loved photography and captured every precious memory she could. Maxine loved her angel and doll collections, to travel on bus tours, or taking her family on adventures. When at home, she rarely missed her favorite shows, Wheel of Fortune or Andy of Mayberry. Nothing was more important to her than her relationship and faith in God. She could be found with her Bible open reading and praying. Everyday her faith was lived out with her husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends, and anyone she encountered; all it took was just one glance upon her beautiful smile, and you could feel her compassionate heart, gentle spirit, and unconditional love.

Preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Wilda; brother, Robert; son, Michael; and her great grandson, Austin. She will be deeply missed by the love of her life, Walter; daughters, Martha (Darrell),Susan (Wayne); son, Paul Sr. (Kathy); grandchildren, Valeri (Chad), Paul Jr., Rene’e, Michael, Brian; great grandchildren, Jason, Tyler, Dylan, Destinee, Adia, Gavin, Tristyn, Shania, Kyle, Kalvin, Shawna; sister, Doris (Harold); sister-in-law, Judy; many nieces and nephews. Our heart-felt thanks to the loving staff at Mulberry Gardens and Crossroads Hospice of Northeast Ohio in taking such loving care of our mom and family.

The family will receive friends from 11-1 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Bible Fellowship, 126 W. Overdale Drive, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278 where funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Les Sutherland officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials to her church.