Maxine Berry

Maxine Gatton Berry, 86, died early Monday morning, December 20, 2010 at Mifflin Care Center after an exhausting battle with Alzheimer's Dementia. Born May 9, 1924 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, she was the daughter of Arnold J. and Hazel Smith Gatton and step-daughter of Lee C. Romig. A 1942 graduate of Coshocton High School, Maxine moved to Mansfield where she met her late husband, Dale C. Berry, whom she married in a military service in Shreveport, Louisiana on September 30, 1943. A housewife and mother, Maxine was active in PTA and Mother's Club at Woodville School. She later became a dedicated member of Madison Athletic Boosters and was a founding member of the committee responsible for the building of Ram Field. Maxine and her husband later moved to Galion where they owned Galion Plating Corp. There, she was active in the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, was a member of TWIG, Galion Community Hospital Auxiliary, and served on various committees at Galion Country Club. She also enjoyed part-time employment arranging flowers at Toni's Flower Shop.

Affectionately called NeeNee, Maxine is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Joe Pearce of Mansfield; three grandchildren, Bret Michelle Pearce of Dayton, Bridget Pearce of Dublin and Bradley Rachael Pearce of Oviedo, FL; and two great-grandchildren, Austin Pearce and Garret Peace of Dayton.

A graveside service conducted by Rev. Christopher R. Thomas will be held Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Mansfield Memorial Park. Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Mrs. Berry.