Maxine Greathouse

Maxine Greathouse of North Vernon, Indiana passed from this life at home on the 20th day of November, 2017, in the presence of family and friends. Her death concluded a life lasting 95 years that was complete, robust and wonderful.

Maxine was born on October 12, 1922, the second daughter of Archie and Genny Nicholson. She grew up in Reddington, Indiana raised by a single mother under less than modest financial circumstances during the years of the Great Depression but blessed with a wonderful family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and two wonderful sisters (Kate Cummings and Genevieve Ruddick). She graduated from Seymour High School in 1940. Following graduation, she was employed at the former Woolen Mill for several years up to the breakout of World War II.

She then met and fell madly in love at first sight with Harold “Gabby” Greathouse of North Vernon.  They married and together they were blessed with the birth of and raised five children, namely: Judy (Joe) Eder; Donna (Howard) Malan; Larry (Julie) Greathouse; Jimmy Greathouse whose has previously passed and was married to Phoebe (Greemann) at the time of his passing; and, Susan “Pud” (Kevin) Beal. These children begat 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren all whom adored and were adored by “Gramma Max”.

Gabby was a partner with his brother Don and they operated J.R. Greathouse and Sons Hardware for several decades during which they were ably assisted by their wives Maxine and Mary. Son Jimmy eventually became the proprietor and operated the store until he passed. Following their retirement Maxine and Gabby operated a booth for many years at the Seymour Antique Mall.

An avid member of the "swing generation" she and Gabby wore out many shoes dancing to the tunes of Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey and others of that era. She loved playing golf and competing at the bridge table with her many bridge friends. Quite the hobbyist she was an avid oil painter, knitter, seamstress, gardener and collector of antiques.

She was a member of The First Baptist Church of North Vernon. Other organizations she participated in were Delta Theta Tau sorority, Seymour Elks Club, North Vernon Country Club and was a “Queen Bee” of her Red Hats group during the autumn of her life.

She will be sorely missed by friends and family. Another of the “Greatest Generation” joining others in the hereafter.

Those wishing to make a memorial in lieu of flowers may contribute to the Missions Committee at the First Baptist Church of North Vernon, Indiana.

A funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2017, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service.  Bob Ochs will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday.  A graveside service will take place at Vernon Cemetery on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.

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