Maxine Joan Dillow (nee Lepper), wife, mother, nana, sister and friend passed away peacefully on the early morning of January 9, 2021 at the age of 75. She was born in St. Louis on August 21, 1945 to Marcus and Julia Lepper. Beloved wife to Larry Dillow for 53 years, loving mother to Tamie (John) Stinson, Tracie (Bill) Lee and Taunya Dillow. She was a devoted and loving nana to John Stinson, Sarah Stinson, Brandon Lee and Haydon Lee. Beloved sister to Gerry Vandeven, Jim Lepper, Carol Graslie, Dennis Lepper and Kathy Reichmuth. Maxine will ascend to Heaven into the arms of her mother, father and sister Barbara Wibberg.
Maxine was a beautiful light whose boundless love will remain in the hearts of all who loved her. Always quick to smile, she was generous with her time and considerable creative talent. There was nothing she couldn't accomplish once she set her mind to it. From designing playhouses; sewing wedding and baptism dresses, curtains, and anything one could wear or need; knitting and crocheting sweaters, hats, blankets, and holiday decor; designing room additions; having a green thumb; cooking like a master chef (for an army); to stretching every penny farther than anyone thought possible. All of this, she did for her family and loved ones. Nothing made her more happy than having her family around her, especially for the holidays. If you met her once, you were like family to her. Many of her younger friends, and friends of her daughters often considered her a "second mom." She loved driving the school bus and talked fondly of her bus and kids long after retirement. Before she passed, she was knitting baby hats to be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Our lives are changed forever, but her legacy is the love, laughter, and memories that will live on in all of the lives she touched.
There will be an opportunity for family and friends to visit on Thursday, January 14 between 3pm and 7pm at Hoffmeister South County Chapel. There will be a short service following visitation at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are greatly appreciated.
