Maxine Ellet

Maxine Fay Ellet, age 85 years, a resident of Vienna, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, December 25, 2024, at 10:15 P.M. in her residence at the Autumn Ridge Supportive Living. Maxine was born January 25, 1939 in Murphysboro, Illinois. She was the daughter of Howard Murl “Mike” Reiman and Sarah Pauline (Young) Reiman. On November 25, 1961, Maxine was united in marriage to Jerry L. Ellet in Murphysboro, Illinois. He preceded her in death on November 25, 2017. Maxine is survived by: her children – Wesley (Jill) Ellet of Creal Springs, Illinois, Joanna (Mark) Odum of Hanson, Kentucky, and Lisa (Kevin) Fisk of Cordova, Tennessee; 5 grandchildren – Matt (Liz) Ellet of Simpson, Illinois, James (Jenna) Ellet of Marion, Illinois, Aimee (Alex Mansir) Odum of Salt Lake City, Utah, Aaron (Gabrielle) Odum of Madisonville, Kentucky, and Ella Fisk, of Cordova, Tennessee; 7 great grandchildren – Gavin Scott Lewis, Tamera Ellen Ellet, Renley Rae Odum, River Anne Ellet, Ellie James Odum, Kerrigan Jo Ellet, and Piper Jillian Ellet; 3 sisters - Margie Ann Roman of Blacklick, Ohio, Mary Jane Huseman of Campbell Hill, Illinois, and Marilyn Jean Stegmann of Steeleville, Illinois; nieces, nephews, other relatives, her extended family and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Maxine was preceded in death by: an infant granddaughter – Briana Lee Odum; and 2 brothers – Fredrick Thomas Reiman and Claude Earnest Reiman. Maxine was a 1957 graduate of Murphysboro High School. During the time that the family resided in Steger, Illinois, Maxine served as a teacher’s aide in the local elementary school. The family returned to Southern Illinois in 1980. Jerry and Maxine built their home north of Vienna. She was a homemaker and had served as a Mary Kay beauty consultant for 28 years. Maxine was very involved in the community. She had been a longtime active member of the Johnson County Homemaker’s Extension and had served as secretary/treasurer of the Ozark unit. She was also a longtime Red Cross blood drive volunteer. Maxine was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Vienna. She had served as the secretary/treasurer for the flower fund for her Sunday School class. Maxine was also a member of the church’s Women on Mission (W.O.M.) and sang in the sanctuary choir. She spent many hours reading and studying her Bible. Maxine also enjoyed participating in church visitation and outreach. She and Edwina Arington, among others, visited with many elderly and homebound members and brought them hope and encouragement. In her spare time, Maxine enjoyed a number of pastimes and hobbies, including sewing, quilting, baking and upholstery. Maxine, along with her husband Jerry, had enjoyed traveling. Visitation will be conducted Monday, December 30, 2024, from 10 A.M. until the service time at 12 Noon at First Baptist Church, 301 N. 7th St., Vienna, Illinois. A service honoring the life of Maxine Ellet will be held Monday afternoon, December 30, 2024, at 12 Noon at First Baptist Church. Pastor Brian Lingle will officiate. For those unable to personally attend the funeral service, the ceremony will be livestreamed via the First Baptist Church – Vienna Facebook page. Following the service, all family members and friends are invited to gather in the church fellowship hall for a luncheon. Following the meal, those wishing to attend the committal are invited to join with the family in procession to Walker Hill Cemetery at Grand Tower, Illinois. A graveside committal service will be conducted at 3 P.M. Monday afternoon, December 30, 2024. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, Illinois 62959 or to the First Baptist Church (Building Fund or Food Pantry Fund), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

Maxine Ellet

January 25, 1939 - December 25, 2024