Ruby Maxine Klein

Ruby Maxine Klein

July 23rd 1940 - January 16th 2026

Maxine went home to her Lord on January 16, 2026, peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family and friends. Born on July 23, 1940 to Odes and Vaneta Walker in Crane, Missouri, Maxine grew up in a humble farmhouse with a loving family in rural Missouri. She was one of seven children: sister Mildred (Ben) and brothers Glendon (Anna Marie), Pete (Doris), Jack (Kay), Joe (Flora), and Jerry.

Maxine met her husband of 64 years, Milton Klein, in high school in Aurora, Missouri, and they were inseparable from that moment on. They were married on September 3, 1961.

From an early age, Maxine aspired to become a nurse and graduated from Burge School of Nursing in 1961 where she served as president of the student organization. Following graduation, she worked as a surgical nurse. After the birth of her two children, Maxine continued her career working part time in nursing homes.

Later, Maxine and Milton founded a family counseling practice where she worked alongside her husband until they both retired. After building and running their business, they embraced retirement and enjoyed traveling the world together, ultimately visiting all seven continents.

Maxine’s greatest joy in life was her family. As an influential mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she instilled strong values that cultivated deep, lasting relationships with her children and grandchildren well into adulthood. Throughout her life, Maxine accomplished many things and consistently worked to make her community a better place. She was an Advanced Master Gardener, served on the Board of Directors for the Silver Sage Girl Scout Council, and was a dedicated 4-H volunteer supporting her daughters’ horse-showing activities. Maxine also volunteered with the International Rescue Committee, served as Star Booster President, and held numerous other volunteer roles. Throughout her life she was dedicated to her church, taught Sunday School, and found lifelong friendships.

Maxine formed a cherished friendship with a family lovingly referred to as the “Burms.” Thaw Re, Maung Nyo, and their children—Lah Say, Hsee Hsee, Deci Aye, Wah Nay, and Saw Ler Lweh—The family was a tremendous source of joy in her life for over 15 years; they all referred to her as “grandma.”

Maxine is survived by her husband, Milton Klein; her daughters Jenny Klein and Julie Klein Fischer; her grandchildren Preston Fischer (Gracie) and Katherine Fischer (Zane); her great-grandchild, Maximilian Fischer (named after Maxine); brother Joe Walker (Flora) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maxine was deeply loved by her family and friends, just as she loved them in return. She will be dearly missed.

A service in honor of Maxine’s life will be held at 2PM, February 6, 2026, at the Meridian United Methodist Church (235 E. Pine Avenue, Meridian). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Maxine and Milt Klein Idaho Society for Clinical Social Work Endowed Scholarship (HS152) at Boise State University https://give.boisestate.edu/campaign_search?search=maxine+klein