Maxine Marie Harter, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 30, 2013. Born February 7, 1920 at the Lake Ridge Farm on Clear Lake in St. Joseph County, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Marie (Bullock) Pierce. She was a graduate of Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, Michigan in 1938. She came to Fort Wayne to attend International Business College where she graduated in, August 1939.

She married Robert Lee Harter on August 10, 1939. They made their home in Fort Wayne where Maxine was employed by Allen County Abstract Company until the birth of her first child. Maxine''s greatest contribution in her life was her dedication to her husband and children. She was an inspirational role model to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. "Mother was admired by her family for her kind gentle spirit and the grace that she demonstrated to everyone she knew." Following her children''s elementary school years, Maxine Taught from 1962-1978 with the Associated Churches Weekday Religious Education Program offered to FWCS students, serving as lead teacher for that program during her last several years of service.

During their family years she was an active member of the First Church of God. She served the church through Christian Education and music. Throughout their senior years they were active members at Trinity Methodist Church serving in the neighborhood ministry programs.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Martin, Sherry (Michael), Mommer and Sharman (John) Ankenbruck all of Fort Wayne; son, Randy (Rebecca) Harter of Asheville, NC; eight grandchildren, Clark (Emily) Harter of NC. Kelly (Steven) Jorro of Carmel, Carey Harter of NC, Mariah (Philip) French of Ohio, Suzanna Mommer of Indianapolis, JR. (Stacy), Nicholas (Kara), Tommie (Laura) Ankenbruck all of Fort Wayne; and 16 great grandchildren, Ruth, Noah, Isaac, Sarah Harter of NC, Nathan and Luke Jorro of Carmel, Micah, Silas, Ziva, Selah French of Ohio, Johnnie, Sammie, Andrew, Whitney, Marin and Jacob Ankenbruck all of Fort Wayne.

She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 70 years, Robert Lee Harter; three siblings, Ethel Miller, Foster and Welton Pierce; and a son in law, Jerry Martin.

Memorial Service 2 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Putnam Street, visitation for family and friends will begin prior to the service at 12:30 till service. Pastor Lloyd Harlan and Rev. Matthew Leffler will be officiating. She will be entombed at Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred Memorials are to Bear Lake Camp Improvement Fund, 1805 South 16th Street, Albion, IN 46701.