Bedford – Christie Lee Speer Maxwell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, teacher, and friend, passed away September 6, 2025, in her home.

Born October 15, 1957, to James and LaVerne (Cobb) Speer, Christie grew up in Bedford and Shawswick Township and was a member of the first graduating class 1975 at Bedford North Lawrence High School after attending Shawswick Schools. She graduated from IU in 3 calendar years and then received her Master of Education degree. She went on to dedicate more than 40 years of her life to teaching kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary, where she touched countless young lives with her patience, warmth, and joy.

Christie was a devoted member of Bedford First Christian Church, where her faith was at the center of her life, serving as an Elder and Board Chair.

She radiated kindness and love in all she did-whether teaching children, spending time with friends, or enjoying family adventures. From shopping trips to beach days, she had a way of making every moment brighter.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack; daughter, Megan Maxwell-Ranjbar (Omid); cherished grandchildren, James, Rachel, Sam, and Claire; her mother LaVerne Cobb Speer, her sister, Jamie (Speer) Blackwell (Brian); sister-in-law, Susan Maxwell Lewis (Darren); nephew, Brandon Blackwell (Terra), nieces, Erin Gratzer (Jase) and Maggie B. Lewis, along with many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Ashley Maxwell and her father, James Speer.

Christie’s legacy lives on in the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 13th at the Bedford First Christian Church, 1101 15th Street, Bedford with Pastor Will Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 12th and from 9:00 am until the hour of service on Saturday all at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bedford First Christian Church in her honor. A kidney transplant recipient, Christie, advocated for organ donors. Please consider being an organ donor.