GREENWOOD
M. Maxine Croker finished her sojourn through life on December 2, 2023 at the age of 99 1/3 exactly. She was born on July 29, 1924, the only child of Ernest and Hattie Arnold in Shelbyville, Indiana. She grew up on the southside of Indianapolis in the Fountain Square neighborhood where she would go to movies and go bowling with her many friends. She attended grade school at #39 and until recently had attended monthly luncheons of her grade school friends. She graduated from Tech High School in the class of 1941 and immediately went to work for an insurance company. She met her future husband, Bill Croker at the dance venue at WestLake where he sang during the summers. They were married after he came home from WW II on July 31, 1947. After 10 years of marriage their daughter Nancy Ann was born followed 4 1/2 years later by Amy Lou. They moved to Hartford City, Indiana where Bill managed the telephone company for Indiana Bell and Maxine became involved in the community. She was a Brownie Leader, was an active member of Psi Iota Psi Sorority, played in a bridge club and was active in the local Methodist Church. Her happiest years were in that idyllic small town where she developed lifelong friendships.
Moving back to Indianapolis in 1968 she worked for 15 years in the Ladies Department at William H. Block Company. She was widowed in 1986 when Bill passed away suddenly at the age of 63. She continued to be involved with her church, friends and family. At the age of 80 she moved to Greenwood Village where she made many new friends along with the lifelong friends also living there. She was active in the Red Hat Society, went on trips and definitely enjoyed her dinner companions who enjoyed many meals full of laughter. Maxine was the last to go of that wonderful group of women. Losing her vision to macular degeneration was a life changer but she found a way to continue to live independently in her apartment. The isolation of Covid proved to be the challenge she couldn’t conquer. She moved to the Manor Nursing Home 2 1/2 years ago at GVS where she resided until her peaceful passing on December 2nd.
She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Nancy Croker and Dr. Joe Gorvetzian of Albuquerque, New Mexico and their 3 children-Dr. Joe Gorvetzian, Andy Gorvetzian/Fiore, Dr. Sarah Gorvetzian/George. Amy Myrick and Rob of Greenville, Indiana and their 2 children-Cody Myrick/Ashley and Great grandchildren Finnley and Conrad, and Kali Myrick and great grandson Zeke. Special thanks to her “3rd daughter” her niece, Kathy Price who spent countless hours being a wonderful caregiver to Maxine. We would also like to thank Angela from Hospice McKee who provided such personal care and kindness.
Her Celebration of her long life will be Wednesday, December 6th at 1 pm with visitation from 11-1 prior to the short service at G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, 46227. The family requests no flowers, however, donations can be made in her honor to Christ United Methodist Church, 8540 US 31 South, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Please share memories, photographs, and online condolences with the family at www.ghherrmann.com.
