Lois June Poe (Batterton/Midkiff), known affectionately as "MaJune" and "Momma Fat Back" to those who knew and loved her, went home to her Lord and Savior on June 6, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Mary Riley and Hayden Poe, June's life was a testament to love, dedication, and resilience.
June was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Howard Batterton, her sons Randy and Greg Batterton, and her siblings Marvin and Valerie Poe. Her memory will be lovingly cherished by her surviving family, including her husband Elwin "Buddy" Midkiff, son Steve (Lisa) Batterton, daughters Barbara (Keith) Schultz and Kim (Shane) Gower, stepdaughter Lynn "Peaches" (Roy) McIntyre, daughters-in-law Marsha Batterton and Tana Batterton, and her nephew Bill Poe. Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren Jenny Batterton, Alicia (Greg) Dobyns, Bradley (Corinne) Batterton, and Brian (Emily) Batterton, and her great-grandchildren Zach Gower, Taylor (Bailey) Farner, Logan Gower, Makenna Richardson, Eleanor Batterton, and Theodore Batterton.
A graduate of Lakeside High School, June was a majorette and a competitive basketball guard, showcasing her talent and spirit from a young age. She became an accomplished masseuse and nurse, providing care and comfort to many. As the wife of an auctioneer, she demonstrated unwavering support and partnership. June’s musical talent led her to becoming an active member in one of the world's largest women's singing groups, the Sweet Adelines, and her talent as a gospel singer brought joy and inspiration to all who heard her.
June was a force of nature, known for her vibrant personality and her love for John Wayne. Like him, she had a sharp wit and kept everyone around her on their toes. Her nurturing spirit and strong faith touched countless lives, leaving the world a better place through the seeds of kindness and love she planted.
Her family and friends will miss her deeply, but they take solace in knowing that she has found peace in the arms of her Savior. The legacy of MaJune will continue to grow and flourish through the lives she has touched and the memories she has left behind.
In honor of June's remarkable life, the family invites all who knew her to celebrate her memory and continue her legacy of love, faith, and resilience.
MaJune’s Pallbearers are Zach Gower, Logan Gower, Steve Richardson, Bill Saunders, Brian Batterton, and Jim Rowe.
Honorary Pallbearers are Pat Helm, Brenda Houpt, Dierkson Hospice, Kay Davis, and Linda Gower.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 4pm - 6pm at Gross Funeral Home in the chapel room.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Gross Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10am in the chapel room.
The family will then travel to Rushfork Cemetery for the graveside service.
