Maxine Helen Verbel (nee' Kelch) of Uniontown, beloved wife, mother and sister, passed away on November 24, 2024 surrounded by her family.  Max was born on the 10th of September, 1966, the third of four children, to the late Helen Boulton and Carleton Kelch.  She grew up in Dix Hills, New York and attended Half Hollow Hills High School East.  She met Mike, her husband of 35 years, while they were both working at Bennigan's restaurant in Deer Park, NY.  She went on to obtain a culinary degree and worked as a chef and food service manager, including Akron University and Gervasi Vineyard, where she taught cooking classes.  (If you ever enjoyed their vegetarian "meatballs", that was her recipe.)  She was known for her love of cooking for others and her passion for animals, especially dogs. Her Bernese Mountain Dog, Tucker, was very dear to her.

Maxine is survived by her husband Michael Verbel, her sons Justin, Benjamin and Dylan, sisters Erica (Scott) Kelch-Slesnick, Sandra (Donald Fortescue) Kelch, and brother-in-law Andrew (Kim) Verbel.  Her brother Richard preceded her in death in 2021.

There will be a private funeral service on Friday, November 29th at Arnold's Funeral Home in Hartville. Please contact the family for details. If you would like to make a donation in Maxine's honor, please consider making it to a local animal rescue of your choice.