Maxine Laveta Harrenstein, affectionately known at “Vete” by her family and friends, died peacefully on Thursday, July 13, 2017, at her home in Overgaard. She was 74 years old. A memorial service will be planned for a later date. She was born on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1942, in Elkhart, Ind., to the late Adolph and Maxine (Long) Peters. Vete moved to Arizona in 1966 from her native Indiana. In 1968, she married Paul Thomas Harrenstein. Together, they raised two children, of whom she was very proud. Throughout her nearly 50-year marriage, Vete was a devoted wife and loving mother to her family. Every year Vete enjoyed designing and printing her annual Christmas calendar. Many of her family members and friends eagerly waited to receive this special gift from her. Vete was an avid reader. A true romantic at heart, she spent countless hours reading love stories and romance novels. Every year during the holiday season, Vete would fill shoeboxes with gifts and then wrap them so they could be distributed for Operation Christmas Child. Literally hundreds, if not thousands, of boxes were filled and wrapped by her loving hands. Knowing that underprivileged children would have gifts to open up on Christmas morning from that labor of love always put a smile on her face. Her goodness and kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her husband, Paul Harrenstein of Overgaard; two children, Susan Chandler and James (Heidi) Harrenstein both of Casa Grande; three sisters, Carol Sparks, Nancy Vale and Kendra Peters; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low was in charge of the arrangements.
