Maxine I. Gowen, a beloved soul whose radiant spirit blessed this world for 83 heartfelt years, sadly left us on Sunday, November 2, 2025. A longtime resident of Beatrice, she was born on April 9th, 1942, to the late Renken and Etta M. (Fossler) Forden, whose love and lessons shaped her into the remarkable woman we held dear. From her earliest days, Maxine’s heart was filled with values and wisdom, and her spirit shone brightly, fueled by the lessons she embraced and the love she carried. In 1967, she married the love of her life, and from that moment on, her heart was forever intertwined with his and to this union brought six children. Maxine embraced the role of a farmer’s wife with a passion that words can scarcely capture. She poured her soul into making their home a sanctuary of warmth and love, ensuring everything ran seamlessly. But her dedication didn’t stop there — she filled in whenever extra hands were needed, embodying strength, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Her compassion extended beyond her home, as she was also a CNA/CMA in a nursing facility. 

In 1984, Leonard and Maxine moved to Beatrice, carrying the love and strength that defined her. She poured herself into caring for her family and her mother, embodying a mother’s unwavering affection and resilience. Her journey in healthcare continued as she became an LPN and served at BSDC for years, embodying a deep commitment to service until her well-earned retirement. Yet, even retirement couldn’t contain her spirit — she found new ways to give, working at Walmart as a cashier and finishing her career at Paddock Lane School, working as a nurse with a heart as expansive as the love she carried for her family. Maxine’s heart never wavered; she continued to dedicate herself, while also pouring her love and care into her family as a beloved mother and grandmother. Maxine may have departed from this earthly existence, her legacy is a testament to the power of love, strength, resilience, sacrifice, unwavering faith, forever echoing in the hearts of all who had the honor to know her.  

Maxine is survived by the loves of her life: children, Mona (Wayne) Geiser of Merna, Barb (Kim) Parsons of Holdrege, Tom (April) Gowen of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Audrey Gowen of St. Paul, Minnesota, Chris Gowen of Beatrice, Carrie (Gail) Woodyard of Marysville, Kansas; nine grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard of 57 years; her parents; her stepfather John T. Forden; her brother Alfred; and a set of twin boys.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, November 21, 2025 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Chaplain Sharon Schuster officiating. Interment will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, November 21, 2025 in the Ong Cemetery north of Ong. The family will greet friends at the mortuary for one hour preceding services on Friday, November 21, 2025. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.