Maxine Henrietta Drenth

Maxine Henrietta Drenth, 97, of South Haven died Saturday, March 8, at home.

She was born November 20, 1910 in Covert, Michigan to Olof and Sigrid (Bengtsdotter) Olson. Maxine graduated from Covert High School in 1929 and from Western State Teachers College in 1933 with a degree in home economics. In 1942 she earned a bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University. .Maxine married John Drenth on August 9, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois. She worked as a teacher at Covert Public School for 13 years, teaching home economics and chemistry. She also started the kindergarten program in Covert. Maxine worked for South Haven Public Schools for 12 years, teaching history and ending her education career as junior high librarian in 1975. Maxine was a former member of Hope Reformed Church and was currently a member of the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Maxine, known as “The Teddy Bear Lady,” enjoyed making 1212 bears, many of which found their way into local homes. Some of her bears found homes in places as far away as Russia. She enjoyed sewing, golfing, bowling, traveling, and gardening. She was a member of the South Haven Garden Club.

She is preceded in death along with her parents by her husband John Drenth who died in 1995; five brothers, Irving, David, Elmer, Albert and Edgar; three sisters , Sanda Anderson, Adena Bauschke and Jeanette Stieve.

She is survived by her son, Steve (Sheryl) Drenth of Dowling, Michigan; her daughter Linda (Randy) Bartels of South Haven, Michigan; five grandchildren , Lisa (Keith) Rydecki, Molly Bartels, Kasen (Mike) Seaver, Jesse (Veronica) Pero and Joel (Megan) Pero; four great grandchildren, Olivia and Preston Pero, Krysta and Hannah Rydecki; her caregiver, Linda Thomas, and special friend, Nadine Stacks.

Memorial services will be Saturday, March 29 at 11:00 AM at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Linstrom and Rev. Raymond Bartels officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven. In lieu of flowers, Maxine requested that memorial contributions be made to Peace Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.