Maxine Stepp

Maxine Stepp, a revered and much-loved matriarch of West Union, IL, passed away on November 22, 2023, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. Born on May 31, 1927, in rural West Union, Maxine was a familiar, friendly face in town, known for her creative spirit, wonderful wit, and exceptional wisdom. Her journey began in quaint establishments where her culinary skills were honed - her family's restaurants, the Sun Shine Inn, and later, the Duck Inn. Growing up in the bustling environment of the restaurant kitchen, Maxine cultivated a lifelong passion for cooking, and her specialties, including coconut cream pie and persimmon cookies, became local legends that further united this tight-knit community.

Equally adept at academia as she was in the kitchen, Maxine graduated from Marshall High School in the Class of 1945 and further pursued an education at the Paris Beauty Academy in Paris, IL. Turning her acquired knowledge into a successful career, Maxine enriched her community with style and grace as a beautician from the tender age of 20 until her retirement at the age of 56. Alongside her professional pursuits and culinary flair, Maxine also showcased her creative prowess in the realms of gardening and crafting. Her roses, poppies, and the much-admired dogwood tree stood as a testament to her green thumb, while her impeccable knitting and crochet skills led to a plethora of intricately designed horses, dolls, and an array of family attires. She was so skilled with a needle and thread that she was able to stitch together her granddaughter's beautiful prom and homecoming dresses! Her creative versatility extended to painting in various mediums. Her keen eye and steady hand made beautiful everything from canvas to ceramics to china. She was also well known for her love for poodles, which she raised for many years, and her last poodle, Annie, was more than just a pet; she was a cherished companion.

Maxine was, by all accounts, an adroit reader who could juggle several books at a time, nourishing her mindful soul with everything from literature to the Bible, which she read through several times over her 96 years. After all, Maxine was a woman of deep faith, as was also reflected in her lifelong membership with the West Union Christian Church. She was a longtime member of the Order of Eastern Star as well.

Though she enjoyed many hobbies and pursued varied interests, nothing brought more life to her living than building up and tending to a garden of memories for her family to enjoy. This garden will serve as her legacy, providing them with color and beauty until, by the grace of God, we see her again.

She is survived by her children, Melanie & Charles Guyer (Annapolis, IL) and Leslie & Michael Miller (Mount Pleasant, IA); by her grandchildren & their spouses, Doug & Nedra Guyer (Annapolis, IL), Amy Condrey (Robinson, IL), and Elaine & Terry DeZeeuw (Fort Collins, CO); by two step-grandchildren, Jason & Rebecca Miller and Jesse & Tara Miller; by several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; by her sister-in-law, Marjorie Strohm; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She married James R. Stepp on March 16, 1946, and he preceded her in death on January 3, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Jesse & Erma (Jenkins) Strohm; by her brother, Willis Strohm; and by her grandson-in-law, Ron Condrey.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1st, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 2nd, at the funeral home, with Steve Dolson officiating. Burial will follow in the Harrison Cemetery, rural West Union. Her family requests that, in her memory, monetary contributions be made to either the "West Union District Library" or the "Crawford County Humane Society". Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.