Maxine Auld Musselman was born Nov. 29,1925, to Harold and Beth Carson Auld. A typical farmer’s daughter, she was active in 4H projects (her dad was the county 4H leader). She excelled in showing Southdown sheep and won many state awards in that category. Maxine became a member of the Oakdale, Ill., RP Church early in life and continued until the Oakdale congregation disbanded due to too few members. She then attended the Sparta, Ill., RP Church until her death.

After attending schools in Washington County, she graduated from Nashville High school. Next she attended Geneva College, where she met Dale Musselman. They were married on July 20, 1950. They adopted two children: Diane Musselman, who now lives in the Los Angeles area; and Jim, who lives in Oakdale but drives long-haul trucks.

After their marriage they moved to Kansas City for six years, where Dale had a job. They joined the Kansas City RP Church while living there.

When Dale began teaching, they transferred their membership back to the Oakdale church. Maxine became a sponsor of the junior members in the congregation. Later on she was a co-sponsor for the youth group. Both groups included members from the community. She also taught in a community vacation Bible school sponsored by two churches in Oakdale. She was involved in the Oakdale RP Women’s Missionary Society, she was a lifelong member and supporter of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and worked with the state association. Within the last 10 or 12 years, her activities decreased due to her health. She developed leukemia and had to undergo chemo treatments repeatedly. She had a number of bouts with pneumonia, and developed a heart problem. Finally her kidneys refused to continue to function. She was sent home from the hospital under hospice care on Aug. 4 and died on Friday night, Aug. 6, 2010, about 11:15 p.m. The whole family was present.

We miss her, but would not wish her to return. She had suffered enough with the doctors and treatments. We know she is better off where she is, and our hope lies in truths and promises of the holy Scriptures.