Maxine Van Hoever, 91, former-ly of Montezuma, passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 17, 2026, at Brooklyn Community Estates. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at Jackson Church of Christ in Montezuma. Visitation/coffeetime will be held in the fellowship hall of the church beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until the time of the service. Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Blakely Stevens American Legion Auxiliary or Brooklyn Community Estates.
Maxine Maye Van Hoever, the daughter of Wilbur and Mabel (Van Genderen) Stanley, was born Aug. 29, 1934, at home in Searsboro. She graduated from Searsboro High School in 1951. Feb. 14, 1953, Maxine was united in marriage to Arlo Van Hoever on the Stanley farm near Searsboro. To this union three children were born: Penni, Danny, and Ginger.
Maxine was the telephone operator in Montezuma a few years before working at the United Grocery Store on the square in Montezuma and eventually retiring from Brownells after 25 years. Following retirement, Maxine worked at Sandy’s and then Ellie’s for several years. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, sewing, bowling, and above all spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Maxine was a faithful member of Jackson Church of Christ and Blakely Stevens American Legion Auxiliary.
Maxine’s legacy will be honored by her children Penni (Lee) Sharer of Montezuma, Danny Van Hoever of Montezuma, and Ginger McIlrath of Montezuma; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Arlo; her sister Miriam; her grandson Ben Sharer; and her son-in-law Kent McIlrath.
