Fern Maxine Zeller

Fern Maxine Zeller, 97, of Palestine, IL, died at 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. She was born on September 12, 1920 in Flat Rock, IL, the daughter of James Weaver Maddox & Amy Angeline (Brashear) Maddox, both of whom preceded her in death. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loren Zeller on May 30, 1973. She was also preceded in death by her son, Paul Dresser; by her grandson, Tom Dresser; by her brothers, Jim Maddox, Gene Maddox, and Gerald Maddox; and by her sisters, Wilma Alumbaugh, Virginia Maddox, and Vera Joann Maddox. She is survived by her grandson, Jeff & wife Christy Dresser (Vista, CA); by her great-grandchildren, Corie Dresser and Tyler Dresser; by her daughter-in-law, Linda Dresser (Vista, CA); as well as several nieces and nephews. Maxine was well-known locally for her prowess in the kitchen, a skill she put to use as a baker at Houpt’s Bakery and then as a school cook at Palestine High School. Her baked goods were especially enticing; her cakes, pies, and doughnuts being the stuff of legend. After retiring from the school in 1982, she busied herself by taking on the role of secretary for the Palestine Senior Citizens Center, where she worked countless hours. Early in her life, she and Loren enjoyed camping and were even members of the Lincoln Trail Campers. Anyone who knew Maxine would tell you that her faith played an important role in her life. She was baptized at the Palestine First Methodist Church and then again at the Palestine First Christian Church, where she has been a member since 1973. Maxine Zeller truly lived her life to love others and made her many years count. Her family, friends, and neighbors all count themselves blessed to have known such a wonderful soul. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, with burial following in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Pastor Dennis Steckley will officiate the services. Memorials may be made to the Palestine Grant-in-Aid Fund, with memorial envelopes available at the funeral home.