of Little Rock, AR

October 6, 1930 - November 28, 2022

Maxine Dean Stecks passed away on November 28, 2022. She was surrounded by her family and made a peaceful transition to be with Don, her beloved husband, who had passed away just 101 days before. Ula Maxine Dean was born on October 6, 1930 and was raised in Malden, Missouri, graduating from Malden High School, then attending the College of the Ozarks (now the University of the Ozarks) in Clarksville, Arkansas. Maxine made quite an impact during her time at the college. Her beauty and personality brought her several honors. She was the Aerie yearbook maid, the homecoming maid, and was selected the cutest girl on campus. While in school, she met Donald Wayne Stecks, where they got to know each other in a dance class and soon after, they fell in love. Maxine, in her quiet way, led Don to Christ, a decision that would change his life for the better. Don said, ''I knew that this quiet woman with her ideals and formidable inner strength was the person I wanted to share my life with and have children with. Her religious faith was an inspiration to me and I wanted to share that experience with her.'' That was how she lived her life, always loving all of us with her quiet inner peace and strength.

Maxine spent many years as a homemaker, always keeping our home beautifully and well decorated. Then, in the 1970's, she had to suddenly step into the role of gift buyer for their business, Tanglewood Drug Store. She seemed to be born with the gift of good taste and didn't hesitate to take on such a large and unfamiliar undertaking. If you bought gifts from Tanglewood Drug Store in the 1970's, 80's, and 90's, Maxine was the talented person behind each purchase.

She was also known for her masterful cooking skills. Holidays were magical at their home, with tables set with the finest china, silver, and crystal, along with lots of laughter and love. No matter how many family events or parties that Don thought up, Maxine was always there cooking, cleaning, and never complaining! You walked in the door at their house, and she was there smiling and offering you something to eat or drink. As a mother, she was calm, supportive, patient, and always loving. She taught Lisa how to sew and they spent countless hours of fun, making everything from clothes to quilts.

Maxine and Don traveled the world together and had many adventurous years after they sold the store and retired in 1993. She was always amazed that a country girl from Malden, Missouri would one day get to see the world! We will remember her extraordinary beauty and how she never aged, people always stopping to ask her about her skin care routine. We believe it was that she was so beautiful inside that it radiated outside for the world to see. She and Don were long time members of the Ben Miller Sunday School Class at Highland Valley United Methodist Church.

Maxine is survived by daughters Julie Stecks Zimmerebner (Frank) and Lisa Kaye Stecks; grandchildren (whom she spoiled with love, many pancakes, and tea parties) Daniel Stecks Zimmerebner (Ramy) and Emily Grace Anderson (Joseph); great-grandchildren Daniel Stecks Zimmerebner, Jr. and Julie Wynne Zimmerebner. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Dean (Darlene) and many nephews and nieces. Maxine is predeceased by grandson, Joseph Wayne Zimmerebner and her parents, Francis Arthur and Dollie Dean.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Donald and Maxine Stecks Scholarship at the University of the Ozarks, 415 N. College Ave. Clarksville, AR 72830 or online at Ozarks.edu/give.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com