Mary “Maxine” Shanks, 86, of Pensacola, Florida, entered into rest on July 8, 2026. She was born April 22, 1940, to Robert and Mary (Heffley) Pullen, in Flora, Indiana. She married Richard Shanks on December 22, 1962, and he preceded her in passing in 1999. Maxine was also preceded in passing by her son, David Shanks in 2006; her son-in-law, Jonathan E. Messemer in 2024; her parents; and her sisters, Joan Dittman and Patsy Jennings. She is survived by her daughter, Jane Messemer; her daughter-in-law, Linda Shanks; grandchildren, Matthew Shanks, Meagan (Robert) Rosendale, and Leah Messemer; and great-grandchildren, Maia Shanks and Georgianna Rosendale.
Maxine graduated from Delphi High School in 1958. She went on to graduate from Ball State in 1962, and then from Purdue University in 1970 with a Master’s Degree. Maxine worked as a teacher at Carroll Elementary Schools for over 40 years. Upon her retirement, she taught GED classes through the Delphi community schools, and in both the Carroll County and White County detention facilities. Never one to sit idle, she taught at a Head Start in Florida and made baby blankets for The Children’s Home Society, and provided blankets for the local Humane Society. She had a very strong faith in God, studied her Bible daily, and was a true prayer warrior. She was a faithful servant who touched many lives and prayed that each person she encountered would know the love of Christ.
Maxine was a member of Flora United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 30 years. In addition to this, she was also a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association, Psi Otes where she served as Secretary and Treasurer, Extension Board where she served as President, and the Carroll Consolidation Foundation. Maxine helped start the transition class called “Jr Primary,” participated in gaining grants for Carroll Elementary and the GED Program, and was instrumental in starting the Flora United Methodist Church Preschool. Her devotion to children’s education won her the Teacher of the Year Award.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026. Friends and family may visit from 11am until the time of the service at 12pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Flora. Burial will follow at Paint Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carroll County Adult Education Program. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.