Mary "Maxine" Shadle of Denton, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with her “Sweet Sister” Carolyn Allen by her side. She was the loving wife of Bill Shadle and the devoted mother to Stan, Carol Beth, and Joanna.

She was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her three children, fourteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. The memories they have of her and with her are greatly cherished. Each of the generations has special stories and remembrances that they will carry throughout their lives.

Maxine loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind, and was faithful all the days of her life. She could be found singing joyfully on the front row of the Denton Bible Church choir every Sunday morning, as recently as January of this year. She enjoyed singing any song that gave glory to God and pointed the way to her Savior.

She was born on April 1, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, but grew up in Paris, Texas. She graduated from Paris High School in 1947 as Valedictorian, before attending what is now the University of North Texas, graduating Cum Laude in 1951. While in college, she met William "Bill" Gilbert Shadle, and they were married on March 3, 1951, in Paris, Texas.

Bill, Maxine, and their three children moved to Denton in 1963, where Bill began his ministry as the music/youth minister at First Baptist Church of Denton. They served in Denton at First Baptist until 1992 when Bill retired. After retirement, Bill and Maxine enjoyed occasional travel. Through the years, their trips included mission trips with the church choirs, camping in Colorado, floating the Comal River in New Braunfels, traveling to the east coast to see fall colors, as well as spending time in the national parks.

As an accomplished pianist, Maxine enjoyed sharing her love of music with many piano students through the years. One of her favorite musical joys was accompanying the various groups who met and practiced in the Shadle living room on Greenwood Drive. She also spent many years teaching English as a second language to adults.

She and her “Sweet Sister” spent many days together in Denton or at Carolyn's home in Atlanta, Texas. They enjoyed traveling together, reading together, working jigsaw puzzles, and shopping at Twice as Nice.

She is survived by her children: son, Stan Shadle of Denton, Texas; daughters, Carol Beth Meyerdirk and husband Steve of Denton, Texas, and Joanna Toombs and husband Martin of Ada, Oklahoma; sister, Carolyn Allen of Atlanta, Texas. Maxine was “Nany” to fourteen grandchildren: Jake, Haley, and Austin Shadle; Lane Meyerdirk and wife Sasha, Sarah Beth McMillan and husband Kurt, Hannah Kerr and husband Tommy, and Ben Meyerdirk; Bethany Toombs, Laura Anderson, John Martin Toombs and wife Stephanie, Susannah, Abbey, Andrew, and Ethan Toombs. She was “Great-Nany” to Mattie Beth and Kase McMillan; Chandler and Gram Kerr; Garrett, Macey, and Pete Anderson; Claire, Valerie, Caroline, Johnny, and Anna Toombs. She was “Aunt Maxine” to Jeanne and Beverly Shadle, Terry Lee Davis, Debbie Wisdom, Laura Lumpkin, Karin Terrell, Lu Presley, and Randy Allen.

Maxine will be remembered for her devotion to her faithful Father, her love for and service to family and friends, her wisdom, kindness, and overflowing joy, and her steadfast faith. Our lives are richer for knowing her.

Memorials may be made to one of Maxine's most beloved charities, Samaritan's Purse. Every year she made donations in the names of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.