Maxine Laverne Kirkley, 82, of Westfield, IL passed away at 3:42 pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at Casey Health Care Center in Casey, IL. She was born on December 31, 1930 in rural Edgar County Illinois, the eldest of four daughters born to William "Ellis" and Mildred (Merrick) Finley. She attended Richwood School, a one room schoolhouse east of Westfield, and graduated from Westfield High School.
On August 27, 1949 she married Raymond Eugene Carlen in a ceremony performed by the groom’s father, Reverend Fred R. Carlen. They are the parents of two children, Raymond Ellis & Retha Laverne Carlen. Maxine lost her husband, Raymond, in August 8, 1956 in a car accident.
On June 24, 1959 Maxine married Robert L. Kirkley. They were the parents of one son, Robert "Brian" Kirkley (deceased). Her second husband, Robert, preceded her in death on February 17, 2003.
Maxine was raised as a farm girl and was proud to admit that she was a "tomboy". She loved nature! Maxine was an avid mushroom hunter and harvested a bountiful crop of morels every spring from her "secret patches". She also enjoyed fishing and on a summer evening she could be found at the old gravel pit with baited hook. Her love for animals (especially cats) provided shelter & food for many strays. Maxine was an Avon representative for many years and also served as an editor of the local newspaper The Westfield Review. Maxine attended the Westfield Baptist Church.
Those she has joined in heaven are: her parents; husbands, Raymond & Bob; son, Brian; and sister, Ruth Wilson. Those mourning her loss are son, Raymond Carlen of Martinsville, IL and daughter, Retha (John) Garver of rural Westfield, IL. Six grandchildren: Rachelle Carlen, Bill Carlen, & Caleb Carlen all of Martinsville, IL; Beth (Matt) Olson of Elburn, IL; Jared (Snow) Garver of Montgomery, TX; and Sara (Brian) Odenbach of Plano, IL and 7 great grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn (Gerald) Alderman of Lincoln, IL and Donna (Delmar) Dambacher of Marshall, IL and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the Westfield Baptist Church with Rev. Eddie Hammond officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Westfield, IL. Visitation will be held from 1 – 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Westfield Baptist Church, P.O. Box 192, Westfield, IL 62474 or Kathy’s Dream (Alzheimer’s Garden) Casey Health Care Center, 100 NE 15th St., Casey, IL 62420 or the Clark County Animal Shelter, 501 Archer Ave., Courthouse, Marshall, IL 62441.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey – Westfield, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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