Maude E. Meyer, 93, of Oquawka, Illinois, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday January 17, 2026 at 12:19 a.m.
Maude was born in Oquawka on November 7, 1932, the daughter of Arthur Sheldon and Mary Mildred (Parsons) Collins.
Growing up, Maude attended Liberty Grade School in Rozetta, she went on to attend school in Biggsville and graduated from Clayton High School in 1951. Just after graduation, Maude married Max W. Meyer on June 23, 1951 in Clayton, Illinois. Maude took to being a farm wife helping her husband around the farm and enjoyed gardening, canning, selling eggs, cream, and butter. She was even known to dress chickens and ducks for eating.
Maude was a longtime active member of Rozetta Baptist Church, spending time in many Bible study groups and volunteered for 13 years with the shining stars program. She loved her church family deeply. Maude worked as the head cook for many years at the Oquawka Grade School, eventually retiring from Union Schools after 27 years. Maude also volunteered for numerous community programs from the food pantry to cancer drives. She also loved to make homemade noodles for lots of friends and family.
Maude was a friend to many. So many children called her Grandma Maude or Aunt Maude through the years. Her garden of friends was such a treasure to her.
Maude’s family is her legacy. She is survived by one son, Gary (Rita) Meyer of Nixa, Missouri; three daughters, Judy Johnson of Burlington, Iowa, Karen (Dave) Robbins of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Diane Lee of Burlington, Iowa; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren; one brother, William D. Collins of Concrete, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews. Maude also leaves several dear friends, Lynn and Dennis Palazzo, Bonnie Frank, Laura and Dean Meyer, and Carolyn Link. Maude was joyfully met in heaven by her husband, Max who preceded her in death on August 23, 2013; and infant son, Arthur Paul Meyer; a grandson, Timothy Johnson; a great grandson, Lucas Johnson; and three brothers, James Collins, Ray Collins, and Gene Collins.
Maude was always a lighthouse to her family, her beacon of light shining brightly to show all those she loved the way home.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Mark Baker will officiate. Burial will follow at Rozetta Cemetery, Rozetta, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to Rozetta Baptist Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
