Obituary: Maurer

Diane “Dee” Maurer, 72 of Chenoa passed away surrounded with love and support at 7:40 am, Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at her residence in rural Chenoa.

Dee was always a compassionate woman. She got her strength through her faith in God. Dee and her husband, Randall Maurer, fostered kids for 15 years. She always helped other less fortunate or anyone who needed a helping hand. She would open her home to others who needed a roof over their head and offered a second chance at life to whoever needed it.

Dee loved living in the country, she loved her animals and hummingbirds. She always decorated her home and outside. One of her last wishes was to have a Gnome house built in her yard and this was completed before her passing. It's something she would be very proud of and the family cherishes as a memorial to her. 

She was an active member for Chenoa Baptist church for many years. This included cleaning the church and participating and other activities like Vacation Bible School, Stepping Stones, Awana, and Operation Christmas Child. She later moved to Fairbury First Baptist Church to continue her legacy of giving and kindness. 

Among other things, Dee was a recycler. She loved to recycled plastic paper, aluminum cans, glass, and electronics-- you name it, she recycled it. Anything to protect her environment. This is true for bargain deals too, she was the best bargain shopper there ever was. She did this not only for her family but for any families who may be in need.

She shopped for clothes, shoes, food, anything to help make someone's day a little brighter. Dee also found peace through quilting, cross- stitching and crocheting. She shared this love with many others.

Per Dee’s request, Cremation services have been accorded with a celebration of life service at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Maurer residence in rural Chenoa. There will be a time of visiting and fellowship after the service until 4 pm.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to one of Dee’s passions, First Baptist Church of Fairbury, VBS (Vacation Bible School).

Dee was born February 23, 1953 in Centralia, IL; the daughter of Charles and Ynema Mae (Finney) Wallis. She married Randy Maurer on November 22, 1978 at Funks Grove Baptist Church.  Her husband, Randy survives in Chenoa.  Her parents Charles and Ynema, mother and father-in-law Ray and Rosie Maurer,  brother-in-law Todd Bickett and nephew Zeph Bickett preceded her in death.

Other survivors include her children, Erica Maurer of Chenoa; Devan Maurer of Bloomington; Paul (Mackenzie) Frizzell of LeRoy; Jennifer (Corey) Kohlenberg of Bloomington; Three grandchildren and one great grandchild, her siblings, Gail (Ronny) Smith of Pampa, TX; Chuck Wallis of Benton, KY; Brent (Companion Sue) Thomas of Belvidere, IL; Brenda Bickett of Brookston, IN; best friend, Julie Fosdick; and numerous extended family and friends.