Maxine "Max" Joyce Eaton, 88, of Dakota Dunes, SD, passed away January 6, 2025.  A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior at Community United Methodist Church in Sergeant Bluff, IA.  Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

On January 6th, 2025, Maxine J. Eaton was reunited with her beloved husband of 55 years. Maxine went to be with Lyle and Jesus peacefully, in her sleep, at her home in Dakota Dunes, SD.

Max was born January 19, 1936 and raised on the family farm, east of Homer, NE, to Manuel and Ruby Trimble. She was a true farm girl who loved her beloved horse Trixie and many dogs. Max attended country school until attending Homer High School, graduating in 1953. She loved attending Homer Alumni banquets and reconnecting with old friends. After high school, she moved to Sioux City and worked at Younkers as the Elevator Operator.

Max and Lyle were married in Sioux City on October 15, 1955. With their three young daughters, they made their home in South Sioux City, NE. When the girls were young, Max was home while, Lyle worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. During that time, she began her sales career with Avon, doing door to door sales. After her girls started school she worked for National Foods for 15 years. She then worked for True Value Hardware and went on to work at Williges dress store, where she would retire.

Lyle built Max her dream home in 1977 in Sergeant Bluff. They had an in ground pool where many memories were made with her family. Her kids and grandkids spent their summers by the pool eating star bars and drinking tang. In 2007, they moved to Dakota Dunes.

Max loved to travel. She and Lyle took their girls on many trips, from the mountains of Colorado to Yellowstone. They continued their travels with their grandchildren continuing the Colorado tradition, building a wonderful bond between their grandkids that will last a lifetime. After retirement, Lyle and Max would begin their winter travels in their “Class A diesel motor home.” They had traveled up and down the east coast, traveled to Canada, often visited Branson but fell in love with Port Aransas, Texas, where they would spend many winters. They met so many wonderful friends from their travels.

Faith was a forefront of Maxine’s life. She was member of the St Paul United Methodist Church for many years before becoming a member at Community United Methodist Church in Sergeant Bluff. She was an honorary member of the Ruth Circle,  member of Christian Club and Lavender Ladies. She instilled strong values and deep faith in her three daughters and five grandchildren. She had a very giving heart, supporting various organizations. She was the rescuer of any and all animals, whether nursing them back to health or finding them a home.

After Lyle passed away in 2010, Max worked to find her way without her dear husband. She endured the flood of 2011 on her own. Shortly after she purchased a small motor home for herself, which really she made more about her family. She did everything for her family. During this time, she flourished in friendships. She cherished each of those friendships, many going back to childhood. The love she had for her family was unwavering. All of her nieces and nephews all meant so much to her. She looked forward to her daily phone visits with her little sis Bev.

She always said, I don’t worry about myself, I worry about my family. Lyle’s last words to her were “it was good.”

It was good…

Survivors include daughters Vicki Voss, Homer, NE, Pam Zimmerman, Omaha, NE, Lori (Bob) Birch, Dakota Dunes, SD, Grandchildren, Jeremy (Amanda) Birch, Chris Voss, Lynn Sprock, Abbey (Ben) Jividen, Cory (Kate) Birch, Great Grandchildren Tristan, Ethan, Ashlyn, Hayden, Kellen, Amber, Hannah, Greyson, Laney, Brody, Calvin, and Beckett. Sister Bev Trimble, Farmingdale, NY, Sister In Law Sharon Trimble, many special nieces and nephews, including bonus daughter Tiffany Smitelli. Fur children, Shay, Graci, Sasha and Lola.

Proceeded in death by her husband, both parents,  son in law Rod Voss, Brothers Don (Geraldine) Trimble and Gary Trimble, Sisters Coleen (Don) Cook and Shirley (Dale) Ross. Many beloved animals Laddie, Shelbie, Shiloh, Shani, and many special kitties.