Jeretta Maxine Wambeke

May 13, 1934 – Oct. 16, 2026

Jeretta Maxine Wambeke, 92, lovingly known to family and friends as Maxine, passed away peacefully at her home in Lovell on October 16, 2026.

Maxine was born on May 13, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Vernon Adey and Jewell Cole Adey. She moved to Lovell with her family while in the fifth grade, and from that time forward Lovell became her lifelong home. It was there that she built a beautiful life, raised her family and created countless cherished memories.

Maxine graduated from Lovell High School in 1952, the same year she married the love of her life, George Wambeke. Together, they shared a life built on love, dedication, hard work and family. During George’s military deployment, Maxine worked at a local drugstore in Lovell for several years. She later joined George in working on their farm, where they built a life together through partnership, perseverance and hard work. She continued working alongside George on the farm until his passing in 1986.

Maxine found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the beauty of the mountains, playing cards with family and friends, bowling and traveling with friends. Above all, family was the heart of her life. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved, and the memories made together became some of her greatest blessings.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Jewell Adey, beloved husband George Wambeke, brothers Lynn and Emmett Adey, sister-in-law Lois Adey, son Gary Wambeke and grandson Jayden Lewis.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her daughter, Georgette (Nick) Lewis; grandchildren Renae (Levi) Miller, Nichole (Jared) Buxman, Matt (Sarah) Lewis, Greg (Janell) Lewis, Jeff (Mya) Lewis, Chelby (Elliott) Trott, Cameron Swain, Alicia Coatney, Natalie (Chris) Swain and Nathan Swain; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Maxine’s 92 years were filled with love, friendship, family and a lifetime of memories. She will be remembered for her strength, her dedication to her family, the life she built with George and the love she shared across generations. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the lives she touched and the countless memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Though her family will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely will remain in their hearts forever.

A visitation was held Friday, Oct. 23, at 9 a.m. at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell, followed by the service at 10 a.m. Burial followed at the Lovell Cemetery.

She will be forever loved, lovingly remembered and dearly missed.