Maxine Gambrel

Dorothy Maxine Gambrel let go of an inspiring 96-year journey on August 20, 2026. She passed peacefully with family members at her side in the home of her daughter, Salli. Her unwavering faith was a testament to the devout woman of God that she was.

Maxine was born November 24, 1929, at the very beginning of the great depression, to Ruby Curry Spier and Louis Spier in Moral Township, Shelby County, Indiana. She lived most of her life on the family farm in Fairland, marrying high school sweetheart Irvin Gambrel on June 26, 1948. She was preceded in death by Irvin in 1975, eldest son Kent (Cyndi) in 2024, and dogs Shep, Sugar, Prince, Nishka, Snickers, BJ, Oreo and Sparky. Maxine is survived by her son Keith (Carol); and daughter, Salli Betz (Steve); 8 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

In addition to caring for her children, Maxine spent most of her married life working at the L. S. Ayres & Company headquarters. She started at the wrapping desk and finished as executive secretary to the company’s President and Treasurer. After Irvin’s death, and with Salli in grade school, she enrolled in college. Year one was at Christian Theological Seminary and then she transferred to Butler University where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. At the age of 55, she began her post-college career by taking her one and only teaching position as the Art and Music instructor at St. Joseph Catholic School in Shelbyville, Indiana. Maxine retired in 2001, but she continued joyfully giving piano lessons for over 60 years.

During her career at St Joseph, the school decided to add 7th and 8th grade students. Hiring a band director with limited resources would have been a challenge, so Maxine spent a summer driving to Indianapolis every day to take lessons. She learned to play the trombone, trumpet, flute and saxophone so the kids would have an instructor when school started that fall.

Maxine and Irvin were founding members of New Life United Methodist Church. Maxine served in many church leadership roles, spent years directing the chorus and handbell choirs, and played both the piano and organ during services. She volunteered at countless community functions. In 2006, she was named "Central Indiana Older Person of the Year" by the Central Indiana Council on Aging.

Never too busy for family or friends, Maxine loved and cherished both. In recent, less mobile years, she was constantly visited by loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to family and friends, she really loved life on the farm and cooking her amazing family feasts. She named her mother as the most important person in her life, who while being educated only through the 6th grade, showed her what it was like to be strong in faith, life-smart, hardworking, and humble. Maxine wanted to be remembered as being that kind of person.

Private family burial will take place at New Palestine Cemetery. Details of the celebration of life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity in Maxine’s name.