Muriel Maxine Connell, age 96, of Flora, Illinois, went to be with her Lord and family on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Clay County Hospital. 

     Maxine was born May 27, 1921, in Clay County, the daughter of the late George and Irene (Smith) McDaniel.  She married George Bute Connell on June 1, 1938, in Clay County.  He preceded her in death February 1, 1972.

     She was a member of North Harter Christian Church.  She worked at International Shoe Company in Flora and was later a Kindergarten aide in the Louisville School District.  She also helped her husband farm.  Maxine enjoyed singing, writing poetry and gardening.

     Maxine is survived by her son: Thomas Connell and wife Andrea of Bonita Springs, FL; 6 grandchildren: Ronald Connell of Hord, Bobbi Shaw of Odessa, TX, Melanie Brown (Bill) of Altamont, Susan Pollock of Hobbs, NM, Kaycee Connell Parker (Nick) of St Charles, MO, and Kellie Connell Ricke (Dana) of Bettendorf, IA; 5 step-grandchildren: Richard Stanbaugh of Livonia, MI, James Hancock of Chesterton, IN, Sam Cook of Sandoval, and Cindy McNeely and Jeff Cook of Flora; 6 great-grandchildren: Zandra Besaw and Derick Shaw of Odessa, TX, Paige Brown of Altamont, Elle Parker of St Charles, MO, and Teddy Ricke and Annabelle Ricke of Bettendorf, IA; 1 great-great-grandchild: Emari Shaw of Hobbs, NM; as well as several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son: Jim Connell; a daughter: Barbara Connell Pollock; 3 brothers: Robert, Harlan and Joe McDaniel; and 2 sisters: Mary McDaniel Harrison and Patricia McDaniel Hoke.

     A funeral service for Maxine Connell will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will be in Golden Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be given to Flora Gardens Activity Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.