Maxine Strickler

MAXINE R. STRICKLER

Maxine Ruth Ayer Strickler, age 99, of Kahoka, MO, died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Clark Co. Nursing Home in Kahoka.

Maxine was born January 24, 1914, the oldest of eleven children of Herley and Lena Moorehead Ayer.

She is survived by two sons, Duane (Ann) Strickler of Buhl, ID, and Darrel Strickler of Troy, MO; two daughters, Delma Shaffer of Cincinnati, IA and Diana (Mrs. Virgil) Elam of Kahoka, MO; a son-in-law, Bob Oilar of Revere, MO; seventeen grandchildren: Donald, Debbie, Darin and Daniel Strickler and Deanna Hunsaker, all of Idaho; John Oilar and Sandra Frazier of Kahoka, MO, Mike Oilar of San Antonio, TX, Doug Oilar of Crystal City, MO, Barbara Bell of Des Moines, IA, Brenda Conn of New Sharon, IA, Betty Ward of Newton, IA, Benita McCoy of Centerville, IA, Dawn Johnson of Donnellson, IA, Brian Elam and Shana Bollin of Kahoka, MO and Devin Strickler of St. Louis, MO; forty-one great grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives.

She was preceded in death her parents; a son and daughter, Donald Strickler and Darlene Oilar; son-in-law, Gene Calvert; a grandson, Bradley Lawrence Strickler; a great-granddaughter, Chantra McCoy; seven brothers: Clifford, Harold, Robert, Leland, Alvin, Carol and Herley, Jr. Ayer; and, three sisters, Madeline Bertelli, Marjorie Laws and Marie Nichols.

Maxine graduated from high school in Bloomfield, IA in 1932. She began teaching at Hutchings School in Davis Co. where she had attended school and her first students were her brothers and sisters - Marjorie, Robert, Alvin, and Marie. She next taught at Long and Darby schools, both in Appanoose Co. and in 1957-58 school year taught at Black Hawk in Davis Co. She first taught in Clark Co. at St. Francisville, and the next year at Jordan School in Scotland Co. She returned to Clark Co. the 1960-61 school year, teaching at Union and the following year in Clark schools in Clark Co. In 1962 she was a first semester substitute at Ft. Madison and continued teaching in Ft. Madison until 1966. From 1963-64 she taught at Richardson Elementary where her granddaughter, Dawn, now teaches. From 1966 through1978 she was employed in the Clark Co. R-1 School District. Following her retirement she provided day care in her home. Her entire life was spent caring for children.

Maxine was a member of the Kahoka United Methodist Church, of Kahoka Chapter # 40, O.E.S., and the Mo. Retired Teacher's Assn. She did embroidery work, sewing and scrapbooked for her family's special occasions.

Raising six children on her own, Maxine showed great independence as she worked hard and continued her education to provide for them. She gave each of them a wonderful gift in the example
she set for them.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Ilene Howell officiating. Burial followed in Arni Cemetery in Lancaster, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Arni Memorial Cemetery or the Ayer-Boatman Post # 4342, V.F.W.

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