J. Maxine Hilton, 95, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 8:10 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 at The Addington Place of Burlington, Iowa.

Maxine was born in McDonough County to Pagie H. and Katie (Bowman) Settles on May 13, 1929. She attended high school in Good Hope and graduated from Western Illinois University with her degree in Education. Maxine taught school for 25 years in Henderson, McDonough and Hancock Counties. She married Cecil M. Hilton in Macomb on April 15, 1954.

Maxine leaves two sons, James M. Hilton of LaHarpe and Joseph G. Hilton of LaHarpe. She leaves one daughter, Stephanie M. Bougher, son in law, Justin MH Bougher, and grandsons Hayden M. Bougher and Noah M. Bougher all of Macomb. She also leaves two sisters, Joanne Arnold of Colchester and Janice Shive of Galesburg and one brother, Dale Settles of Blandinsville and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, 5 brothers- JT Settles, Fremond Settles, Leslie Settles, Howard Settles and Audrey Settles, and 5 sisters- Evelyn Bunt, Emma Welty, Wanda McRaven, Barbara Combs and Dorothy Settles.

Maxine loved antiques and had many collections. She was an avid gardener and was known for irises. While she may not have admitted it, she was a wonderful baker and was well known for her delicious pies. Her pride, however, was her grandsons. She loved to teach them as she did her students many years ago.

Maxine was a member of the Terre Haute Methodist Church and helped with the LaHarpe Methodist Church Festival of Trees for 20 years. She enjoyed belonging to the LaHarpe Chapter of P.E.O., Late Bloomers, Garden Club, Happy Helpers and especially the LaHarpe Coffee Group.

Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the LaHarpe Christian Church where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2024 at the Terre Haute Community Church with Rev. Lee Unger officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church. Private family burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb, Illinois.

Banks & Beals Funeral Home of LaHarpe is assisting the family. A memorial fund has been established for the Terre Haute Community Church. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Maxine's obituary at banksandbeals.com.