Obituary: Maubach

Sheila Ann Maubach, 74, of Gridley, IL, passed away peacefully at 1:19 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac, surrounded by her loving family.

Sheila was born on August 15, 1950, in Poplar Bluff, MO, the daughter of Gerald and Erma (Repetto) Macom. She married John J. Maubach on May 2, 1970, in Bloomington. Her beloved husband, John, survives at home in Gridley. Her parents, one brother, Stephen Macom, one sister, Barbara Rogers, sister -in-law, JoAnn Macom (Howell), and her brother-in-law, Mark Thompson, preceded her in death.

Also surviving are her children, John E. (Heather) Maubach of Bloomington; Kimberly (John) Pollock of Lincoln, IL; Brandi (Nicholas) Crosson of Durham, NC; seven grandchildren, Emma (MJ) Furnish, Tess Maubach, Ian Maubach, Brittany Smith, Elliot (Kitty) Smith, Aiden Pollock, Charlotte Crosson; two great-grandchildren, Mason Huffman and Daisy Furnish; her siblings, Shirley (Bob) McDaniels of Ottawa, KS; Kay Hall of Osawatomie, KS; Paula Woomer of Euless, TX; Bobbie Thompson of Centralia, IL; David Macom, Melissa Macom, and Scott (Stacy) Macom all of Lane, KS; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, George (Tammie) Maubach, James (Nancy) Maubach, Sandy (Ted) Morris, Susan (Mike) Embry, Lisa (Carl) Spence, and Jennifer (David) Walls.

Sheila lived a full, meaningful life. She had many careers, including working as a school bus driver, transporting children with special needs, and later as a retail manager for Walmart until her retirement. When Brandi was in elementary school, Sheila volunteered with Meals on Wheels, taking her daughter with her on deliveries and showing her the importance of giving back and the reward of building relationships with people. Sheila loved wholeheartedly, and the relationships she built throughout her life were the most meaningful part of every role she took on. Sheila loved children, and she cared for the children on her route like they were her own. In her career with Walmart, Sheila volunteered for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She made meaningful and lasting friendships with her co-workers, who became part of her big family. Anywhere you went with Sheila, she would run into someone she was friends with, chatting away with a smile like she had nowhere else to be in that moment. 

Family meant everything to Sheila. She came from a large family, and in marrying John gained an even larger family. She helped raise her siblings, raised three children of her own, and helped raise John’s youngest siblings after the untimely death of John’s father, George Maubach. Sheila and John even discussed adopting foster children because they had so much love to give. This ultimately did not happen, as “family” came to them naturally—a revolving door of extra “children” and “siblings” who came to live at the farm whether they needed family, a safe haven, or just a place to reset while they contemplated their next steps in life. Sheila’s door was always open, and she would welcome you with a smile and a meal. Once Sheila loved you, you were family for life. She never missed a birthday, christening, graduation, anniversary, or wedding. Whatever the event, whatever you needed, Sheila was always there to support, lend a hand, or show her love.

Becoming a grandmother brought Sheila so much joy. Known as Grandma Sheila or MaeMae, she doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The joy they brought her was apparent in the hundreds of pictures that adorn her walls and Facebook page. 

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of Sheila’s life will take place in July, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Miracle Network or a cancer charity of the donor’s choice. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa, is handling arrangements.