Maxine Halbert, 89, passed away on March 12, 2011 attended by her family in Oak Harbor.

Maxine was born in Richfield, Utah on May 3, 1921 to Paul and Florence Holley. The family eventually moved to Seattle, where Maxine graduated from Queen Anne High School. She met and fell in love with Mel Halbert and they were married on July 3, 1942. Mel had joined the Navy in 1940 and shortly after their wedding was shipped to Majuro Atol in the South Pacific for 39 months. While he was gone, Maxine worked for Boeing in the blueprint department and saved for their future together.

After the war, Mel and Maxine settled in north Seattle where they raised their children, Dale and Jan. They were transferred to Sutherlin, Ore., in 1972 where Mel managed the Oregon Division of Smith Berger Manufacturing. They became avid gardeners and spoiled their family with fresh produce and cases of preserved food. They also enjoyed golfing. They retired in Issaquah.

Maxine was loved dearly by her family and friends and all who met her. Dale and Cathy Halbert (son and daughter-in-law), Jan and Mike Oberholtzer (daughter and son-in-law), Mike Halbert (grandson), Monica and Charles Reynolds (granddaughter and husband), and their great grandson, Alex Reynolds have many fond memories of her and Mel. They will be missed, but never forgotten.

Mel and Maxine enjoyed a loving life together. They were very devoted to each other and were seldom apart until Mel’s death Dec. 12, 1996. Maxine will now join with Mel again, as their ashes will be combined and placed at Tahoma National Cemetery on Friday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m. The memorial will include Military Honors. Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and memories at www.whidbeymemorial.com. Remembrances may be made to Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital.