Maxine O. Gudgeon, age 86 was born on March 8, 1937, at Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, Indiana. She passed away on February 3, 2024 at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis.
Maxine was the daughter of Leeland O. and Cordelia Moody Shook. She married Roland R. Gudgeon on April 12, 1958 at the First Methodist Church in Batesville.
Maxine had been employed at the National Lead Company of Ohio (Fernald), Capital Airlines in Washington D. C., and the Batesville Casket Company.
Maxine was a member of the United Methodist Church, Order of Rainbow for Girls, a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Stars #348, a 50-year member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and a 60+ year member of her beloved card club.
Her hobbies included time with her family and friends, camping, card and board games, reading novels with happy endings and watching TCM movies from the 40s and 50s. Max especially enjoyed traveling the USA but returning home to Indiana was the best part of her trips.
Rod and Max planted big gardens and together they canned the vegetables or shared them with family and friends.
Entertaining was one of her biggest joys. Everyone seemed to enjoy coming to the Gudgeon home. There was plenty of fellowship, food, fun and laughter. Her favorite time of year was Christmas. Entertaining family at The Gudgeons was a time to remember with the reading of the Christmas Story, singing carols, Christmas wish cake, treasure hunts, games and presents for everyone.
When it came to cooking, the family teased her about her gravy, wondering how it would turn out. Too thick, too runny or even too lumpy. It always surprised her too.
Maxine was devoted to her family and instilled in them first and foremost, her love of family, love of God, kindness, honesty, friendships, laughter, respect, and giving support when needed. She was thankful that she was young enough to have had time to spend with each of her grandchildren – the icing on the cake of life. She felt she had no particular talent although she could write a card or note with a meaningful and touching sentiment.
Maxine is survived by her 3 children: son, Michael (Kim) Gudgeon of Batesville, daughter, Shelly Hertel, of Batesville and daughter, Mandi (Doug) McCoy of Indianapolis. Grandchildren, Kelsie (Dustin) Thrasher of Indianapolis, Mitchell Gudgeon of Taylor Mill, KY, Christian & Alex McCoy of Indianapolis. One great-grandchild, Harper Thrasher of Indianapolis.
Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Rod, her parents Leeland and Cordelia Shook and her brother Ron Shook.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 11am – 1pm followed by a 1:00pm Funeral Service all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Burial to follow at the Batesville United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pastor Chris Renick officiating.
Memorials can be made to the Batesville United Methodist Church Cemetery endowment fund by bringing to services or mailing to Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Please feel free to leave a memory or message of comfort for Maxine’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.