Betty Maxine Talbot

CREVE COEUR ~ Betty “Maxine” Talbot, 87, of Creve Coeur, passed peacefully on Saturday, September23, 2017 at the home of Rev. Ron Talbot.

She was born onWednesday, August 6, 1930 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Henryand Margaret (Southern) Loftin. She was the last survivingsibling of ten children, which her parents and five brothers andfour sisters preceded her in death.

On March 7, 1953 she married Rev. Eugene A. Talbot in Santa Barbara, California and he took the city girl to a small farming community in the mid-west where he grew up; Geneseo, Illinois.

There they began their life together and started their family. Born to them were three children: Rev. Ronald E. and (Sandra) Talbot of Creve Coeur, Rev. Dale H. and (Donna) Talbot of Colona, Cheryl L. and (Michael) Parker Sr. of Dillion, Colorado.

In her short life or 87 years she wore many “aprons” as mother of three, and wife to her husband of almost 62 years. Rev. Eugene A. Talbot passed from this life February 24, 2015. They moved to Creve Coeur December 26, 1971, and became Pastor and First Lady of Christian Life Church (formerly First Pentecostal Church) and then First Lady of Creve Coeur when her husband became the Mayor.

Maxine, as she was known most of her life, was not much of a public figure, staying back in the shadows supporting her husband’s dreams and ambitions and her children’s aspirations. She loved her family, friends, and her church and most important her relationship with Jesus Christ.

Gene and Maxine traveled as the Singing Talbot Family recording five albums; she played the accordion and loved to sing. September of 1977, they founded Christian Life Academy (formerly Creve Coeur Christian Academy). She taught school for about twenty years. She worked for Circle of Life as homemaker for about ten years.

As the wife of a Pastor, Mayor, Trustee and a First Lady of a Wal-Mart greeter, Maxine was best known for her love of chocolates and baking: rhubarb crunch, German chocolate cake, chocolate pie, coconut pie and raisin pie. She leaves three children and their spouses; twelve grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren (and one to arrive any day) to cherish her memory!

Her funeral will be at noon Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Christian Life Church in Creve Coeur, where visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2017 at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.

The Family request in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Life Church, 129 South Highland Avenue, Creve Coeur, IL 61610-4017.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com

The Family wishes to thank Dr. Caroline Kim, an awesome lady and the fine staff at Heartland Community Health Care Clinic (Armstrong, Peoria) for taking great care of her for two years and seven months after dad’s passing; Thank you Doctor Susan White of Ruskusky Podiatry. Thanks to Amelie (RN), Greg and Van, Pastoral Care of OSF Outpatient Palliative Care staff for the outstanding support, Camille (ACM) and Karen (Addis); also, Amy and Ky who helped with the transition from Outpatient Palliative Care to OSF Hospice. Thank you Rebecca (RN) and Angie (CAN), and Monte from AdvaCare. Thank you Jill (RN) OSF Hospice who helped with those final details and “hic-ups” we experienced. Thanks for standing with us and being there! Thanks to the wonderful staff and family of Preston-Hanley Funeral Home: Buster, Charlie, Dean, Al, Linda and Stephanie!

Thanks to Barbara Campbell who was mom’s partner in “crime” and Crystal Talbot who was also available 24/7 to come to my aid. Thanks to the Village of Creve Coeur, Mayor Fred Lang, Trustees, Kimberly Peak, Clerk and Jacqueline Lyle, Treasurer. Thanks to the Village Chief of Police Dale King and his staff; Fire Chief Brad Gill and the First Responders! Thanks to all who played a great and important role behind the scene the Talbot Family says, “Thank You!” we could not have done it without you.

Thanks to the wonderful families of Christian Life Church for your understanding, patience, cards, and being there for the spiritual and moral support. Finally, thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ who has been our comfort, and has given us the peace that passes all understanding. Mom made her transition to catch her last chariot ride to join family and friends who had already crossed over and now we who are left behind, temporarily, to transition life without her have this blessed assurance that we shall join them also one day if we stay true and faithful to Jesus Christ!