Maxine Nussbaum

Maxine E. Meyer Nussbaum, 96, passed away Friday, July 24, 2020, at her home. She was born August 1, 1923, in Andrews, the youngest child of John A. and Lena K. Meyer. She was married in 1942 to Alvin A. Nussbaum of Monroe.
At age 13, she moved with her family to the farm two miles west of Berne. FDR’s rural electrification made her a lifelong Democrat. Working at the Berne Kroger store, she knew everyone in town. She and her husband moved to Muncie in 1953. For 48 years there, she was active with First Presbyterian Church, Church Women United, the World Council of Churches and other worthy organizations. When her kids flew the nest, she devoted her energies as a staff member for Congressman Phil Sharp, driving the mobile office and hearing constituent concerns. She loved her life in the legislative and political arena for 20 years. She especially loved the campaigns and hog roasts in the district, with occasional trips to Washington, D.C. She hated having to retire in 1995, when the Congressman did, but she would not work for his successor from the other party. In 2000, health concerns led her and her husband to move to Swiss Village in Berne. She was a member of Cross United Church of Christ, where she enjoyed singing with the ensemble and performing as church organist. She loved activities with her nephews, nieces and bonus daughters and their families.
She was a fierce advocate for what she considered right. She always loved a party and fancy cakes. She found joy in music (major keys, please), flowers and, as everyone knew, anything pink.
She is survived by her four children, Ronda Nietch of Niles, Michigan; (Nira) Jo Nussbaum of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Lenell Nussbaum (Peter Skartvedt) of Seattle, Washington; and Jon K. (Kelly) Nussbaum of Temecula, California; eight grandchildren, Annamarie (Mike) Waterman of Marcellus, Michigan; Jennifer (Scott) Betzner of Indianapolis; Nicholas Skartvedt (Lyndsay Watson) of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Noah Skartvedt (Alexandra Hernandez) of Seattle, Washington; Kiley (Jerry) Lan; and Julianne Nussbaum, both of Temecula, California; Shelby Buffington of Tustin, California; and Ethan Nussbaum of Radcliffe, Kentucky; four great-grandchildren, Kristina (Phillip) Hedges; and Tiffani Betzner, both of Indianapolis; and Riley Waterman; and Spencer Waterman of Marcellus, Michigan; bonus daughters, Susan Yoder; Jenny Yager; and Renee Captain, all of Berne; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; three siblings and their spouses, Margaret (Leonard “Ben”) Beitler; Matilda (Wilbur) Leatherman; and Raymond “Jake” (Mildred) Meyer; her husband’s brothers and their spouses, Leo (Janet) Nussbaum; Elmer (Ruth Ellen) Nussbaum; Milo (Violet) Nussbaum; Victor Nussbaum; Reuben (Estella) Nussbaum; and Carl (Justine) Nussbaum; son-in-law, Charles A. Nietch; grandson, David J. Nietch; and Sylvia Russell.
Visitation will be Friday, July 31 from 4-8 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel, 365 W. Main St., Berne. Funeral service will be Saturday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Timothy Price. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in rural Berne. Since it is her 97th birthday, there will be pink balloons, and the family requests that visitors wear something pink in her honor! Due to the COVID-19 guidelines, face masks are asked to be worn during your visit.
Those unable to attend in person are invited to visit and like the Facebook page for Zwick & Jahn where a video will be posted of her service.
Memorials may be made to Cross United Church of Christ in Berne or any effort to defeat the current occupant of the White House.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.