Jeretta Maxine Wambeke, lovingly known to family and friends as Maxine, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Lovell, Wyoming, on Oct. 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; her beloved husband, George Wambeke; her brothers, Lynn and Emmett Adey; her sister-in-law, Lois Adey; her son, Gary Wambeke; and her grandson, Jayden Lewis.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her daughter, Georgette (Nick) Lewis; her 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.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell, Wyoming. A visitation began at 9 a.m. Burial followed at Lovell Cemetery.
Family and friends were invited to gather to celebrate Maxine’s life, honor her memory and share the stories and moments that made her so special.
She will be forever loved, lovingly remembered and dearly missed.
