Maxine Ruth Balkema

Maxine Ruth Steury was born December 19,1941 in a midwifery home in Berne, Indiana. She grew up on Bluecreek Farm, north of town, until age 5 when her family moved to Berne to enjoy the new red brick home built by her father, Reuben. She spent many an evening playing “kick the can” in the neighborhood, with her best friend Roxanne, returning only when the bell was rung for dinner. Maxine walked to school each day and graduated from Berne French High School in 1959. She attended Taylor University for 2 years and finished her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education at Seattle Pacific University in 1963.

Upon entering Taylor, Maxine was asked “Do you want to be nurse, a secretary or a teacher?” She couldn’t stand the sight of blood and did not enjoy typing, so she decided to become a teacher – a profession that she truly loved. After graduation, Maxine moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and taught at Garden City Elementary School while enjoying an abundant social life. She was glad she joined her roommate to attend a special gathering because she met a man named Max. He really enjoyed Maxine’s company and asked her on a date. They were married August 2, 1969, at First Missionary Church in Berne. 

Max led an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Chapter, in Lexington, Kentucky and Maxine taught elementary school. They moved to Romney, Indiana, soon after their son, Chris, was born so that Max could help in the family business. Maxine settled in as a stay-at-home mom and they welcomed Julie, into the world, 3 years later. Maxine was very active at Evangelical Covenant Church creating fellowship and hosting hundreds of meals at home. Teaching remained her delight and, as the kids grew, she enjoyed substitute teaching. Maxine was thrilled to accept a full-time position teaching 2nd grade at Mintonye Elementary School, in 1985, and continued in that role for the next 20 years. Retirement afforded her the time and opportunity to achieve her highest honor… “Best Grandma Ever”. In 2019, they moved to Swiss Village, back in Berne, where Max reaffirmed that Maxine was related to half of the town.

Maxine maintained her reputation as “one tough bird” by fighting off health complications for decades. Her fighting spirit eventually outpaced her heart condition, and she peacefully left her earthly body to receive a brand new one on February 4, 2025. As a result of her faith in Jesus Christ, she joins Max as well as many family members and friends in Heaven.

Please join us for a celebration of life service at the First Missionary Church, 950 US-27 South, in Berne, Indiana on Saturday, April 12. Visitation will occur at 9:30am with the Reverend John Martz officiating the service at 10:30am. A fellowship meal will occur at noon. 

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana