NORTH FORK - Maxine Berkley passed away peacefully on the evening of April 18, 2020, surrounded by those who loved her so very much. She was born on April 14, 1937, in Madera to Ray and Judy Brown, who already had a 5 ½-year-old daughter, Ann. She grew up and attended school in Ripperdan, where her dad milked cows.

When she was in the first grade, she met Ovonual Berkley, who later would become the love of her life. They were high school sweethearts and were married in 1953, at the home of Ovonual’s parents, Finies and Hazel Berkley. During their 67 years of marriage, they had two children – daughter Shella in 1954 and son Randy in 1958.

They lived in Madera until 1968, before they moved to Bass Lake, where Ovonual was the Resident Deputy and Maxine was his dispatcher. In 1972, she started working at the United States Forest Service, where she held various positions until her retirement in 1999. In 1974, the family moved to North Fork, where the family home remains.

Her greatest joy in life was surrounding herself with family and friends, especially for the family holiday get-togethers. Maxine also loved her weekly trips to the casino, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time on her iPad.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law, Luther Alexander, and her son-in-law, Verne Baxter.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ovonual Berkley, her daughter, Shella Baxter, of North Fork, her son and his wife, Randy and Debbie Berkley. Also, by her granddaughters, Rebecca Berkley of Madera, Mandy Gillard, and her husband, Mike of Atwater, her grandsons, Cory Baxter, of North Fork, Doug Campbell and his wife, Sue, of Meridian, and Dustin Campbell and his wife, Jennifer, of College Station. Along with twelve great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandson, also the second love of her life, her Chiweenie, Tina Louise, who she loved to take to the ocean.

The public viewing will be on April 22, 2020, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Jay Chapel in Madera. Please be advised that only two visitors will be allowed in at one time.

After the COVID-19 crisis passes, the family will have a Celebration of Life for Maxine at a date and place to be announced.