Earlene G. Maki

Earlene Maki, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Born in Indianapolis to Earl and Mildred Halstead, Earlene grew up in the historic Irvington neighborhood and graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Dennis Maki. Their schoolhouse romance blossomed into a beautiful, lifelong marriage and a wonderful family.

While Earlene began her working career at Western Electric, she found her true professional calling later in life as a school lunch lady at Brookview Elementary in Warren Township. Blessed with a natural warmth and a quick smile, she absolutely loved being around the children, making sure every child felt welcomed and cared for each day.

Above all else, Earlene was a devoted wife, a dedicated homemaker, and a doting grandmother. Her family was the absolute center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent together. Whether hosting family gatherings or spending time with her close friends, Earlene loved nothing more than sharing laughter and creating lasting memories with the people she held dear.

Earlene’s love and legacy live on through her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Maki; her daughter, Jina Summers, and her husband, Harry Rail; her son, Jeff Maki, and his wife, Kristin Maki; and her six grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Dylan Summers wife Shelby, Madison Summers, Josh Maki and Katherine Studebaker, Tyler Maki, Alexa Maki, Erika Maki, and great grandson Deegan Summers.

She also leaves behind her faithful and fiercely loved dogs, Candy and Punkin.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jill Duda.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN, 46229 from 12PM-2:30PM. Earlene will be laid to rest in Washington Park Cemetery following the visitation.