Maxine Olive Gilbert of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Friday afternoon, December 11, 2009, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital at the age of 82 years.

Maxine Olive Gilbert was born on February 27, 1927, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Fred Calvin and Etta Jane (Ashby) Kirchner. She grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools graduating in 1944. While in high school she worked at Burr's Department Store in Blackwell. Following her education she worked at Sears as a retail clerk before working as a secretary for the Blackwell Zinc Company. She married William Franklin Gilbert on September 3, 1950, in Bentonville, Arkansas, and they settled in Blackwell. She later retired from the smelter and returned to the home to care for her family. Her husband preceded her in death on October 23, 1987, and she continued to make Blackwell her home. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary where she served as president for two years. She also was a member of the Blackwell Church of Christ. She enjoyed reading, cross-stitch and sewing.

She is survived by her daughter, D'Etta Scott and husband Ron of Marceline, Missouri; two sons, Billy Gilbert and wife Karla of Arkansas City, Kansas, and Richard Gilbert and wife Pam of Tulsa, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Kayce Hardin, Brandon Hardin, Zach Scott, Jamie Scott and Katie Lieurance; a step-granddaughter, Carrie Mosconi; a great grandson, Trenton Lieurance; and two step-great grandchildren, Gwen Mosconi and Sophera Mosconi.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Debbie Hardin; a sister, Corrine Kirchner; and a granddaughter, Victoria Hardin.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 16th in the Blackwell Church of Christ with Lanny Jobe officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.

A memorial has been established with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for diabetes research in c\o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.