Betty “Maxine” Seibel was born June 5, 1926, to Clinton and Jessie (Hess) Atkins, in Havensville. Her family moved to Peabody in 1929, where she lived the remainder of her life.

She was baptized in October 1944.

Upon graduation from Peabody High School in 1945, Maxine began working as a telephone operator, where she worked until 1958. She then became a legal secretary until 1986. During that time, she worked for D.M. Ward, Gaylord Maples, and David Egan.

On Nov. 19, 1950, Maxine married Ernest C. Seibel at First Christian Church of Peabody.

Maxine enjoyed her hobbies including quilting and genealogy. She served on numerous boards in the Peabody area including Doyle Creek Watershed, Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Peabody Christian Church, Peabody County Club, Peabody Historical Society, and Peabody High School Alumni Association.

Maxine passed away Jan. 22, 2011, at Showalter Villa in Hesston, where she had lived since November because of her health.

She is survived by her husband, Ernest Seibel of Wheatstate Manor, Whitewater; sister Marian Break of El Dorado; two brothers, William Atkins of Kansas City and Paul Atkins of Peabody; two nieces; and three nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Richard Atkins.

Memorial funds have been established with Peabody Christian Church, Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Peabody Alumni Association, and Peabody Historical Society in care of Baker Funeral Home, 601 SE 36th St, Suite 126, Newton KS 67114.

Condolences may be sent to Ernest Seibel in care of Wheatstate Manor, 601 S Main St, Whitewater KS 67154.