Maxine Gilbreath Obituary (2025)

Maxine Violet Gilbreath, age 83, of Yakima, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 surrounded by her family. Maxine was born in Yakima, Washington on May 6, 1941 to Max and Martha Orme. Maxine had many fond memories of her childhood, including playing marbles with her friends and family, baseball with her big brother, Larry and ice skating with her family. As a young woman, Maxine graduated from Yakima High School and a few years later she met her husband, Bill. They got married and bought a small house on the northwest side of town and started their own family. Maxine lived in this house along with Bill for their entire married life. They had three children, Tammy, Mitchell and James. Maxine and Bill were wonderful, and hard-working proud parents who valued family and God. Maxine decided to go back to school at Yakima Valley Community College and soon became a registered nurse. She worked at 3 different facilities for most of her career including Osteopathic Hospital, Crescent Convalescent and Summitview Manor. She found her niche working at the nursing homes providing excellent care for the elderly population while interacting with their concerned loved ones. Maxine was a devoted wife and mother and could always be counted on. She was, however, known to be sliding into the parking lot at Grace Lutheran School about ten minutes after the late bell had rung dropping off a Cordoba full of children. To her credit though, she worked the swing shift and didn't get to bed until well after midnight. Every summer, Maxine would load up the car and head for the beach at Seaside, Oregon to spend a fun-filled weekend with her kids. Mom was an avid reader who loved to study American History. She also had a passion for antiquing. She loved to find hidden treasure and bargains along with her husband, sister, brother-in-law and friends. Mom loved spending time with her children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and her great granddaughter. She enjoyed doting on them and showing off their photographs. Maxine had a fun-loving spirit and was full of charisma and wit. She enjoyed meeting up with her friends for weekly Bible study at church. She loved music, singing, gardening and tap dancing. She was always so excited when family and friends came to visit. The littles and the bigs alike always left her house happier than before as she made everyone feel welcome, loved and special. About one year ago, Maxine became ill and the prognosis she received was grim. She fought this battle head-on with courage and determination. Ultimately, God called her home to be with Him and she passed in that same small house just off Englewood where she lived for 60 years. Maxine was a strong Christian woman and was a lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church. She also supported Grace Lutheran School and Evergreen Lutheran High School in Tacoma, Washington. Maxine is survived by her daughter, Tammy Fuwell of Yakima, and two sons, Mitch (Kim) Gilbreath of Bossier City, LA and James Gilbreath of Yakima, one sister, Carol (Jim) Crane of Ocean Shores, sisters in law, Barbara Orme of Puyallup and Kelly Quesenbury of Yakima. Also, her brother-in-law, David (Pat) Gilbreath of Selah, five grandchildren, Adam, Katelyn, Taylor, Courtney and Steven along with a single great granddaughter, Braelynn. Maxine is preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Max & Martha; her older brother, Larry; and her younger sister, Darlene. A Christian Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church (1207 S. 7th Ave., Yakima, WA). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church and can be sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936) who is caring for the family. The family wishes to thank the staff of Memorial Hospital/Hospice along with the staff at North Star Lodge for their efforts, kindness & encouragement to Maxine. Special thanks to all our wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who helped us take care of Mom especially these last couple months. Their generosity and kindness to our family has been extraordinary. God bless you all. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.