Maxine (Van Eaton) Blick

Maxine Van Eaton was born November 26, 1924, in Seaton, IL. The third of five girls, she grew up on the family farm. Maxine graduated Seaton High in 1942 and worked at the bank in Joy before attending beauty school in Galesburg. On August 31, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, John C. Davis. They farmed north of Seaton until John’s tragic death in a 1954 farming accident. The young widow opened Maxine’s Beauty Shop in Seaton which became a successful business venture thanks to the loyal support of women from all over Mercer and surrounding counties. Maxine found love again, and on May 2, 1957, she married educator Gene (Eugene E) Blick. Gene adopted her three kids as the couple moved to Rock Island, had two more children, and enjoyed 33 years of marriage until Gene’s death in 1990.

Maxine never went back to hair styling as a profession, but she cut, permed, colored, and groomed her family’s hair for years – not to mention many of the family’s friends and neighbors - in the basement of their home on 19th Avenue. She was an active volunteer in the RI County Schools and at Trinity Hospitals, First Lutheran Church, Moline, and the Rock Island chapter of King’s Daughters, the latter of which she was a member for 41 years and held many leadership positions including president.

It is nearly impossible to describe Maxine’s joie de vivre. She had the gift of gab and could make conversation with anyone she met. She even talked to her plants, attributing their health and blossoms to her conversations with them. She loved to laugh, especially at herself! She loved her sisters fiercely and carried that love over to their children and grandchildren as if they were her own.

Maxine passed away in her sleep at Silver Cross, Friendship Manor, on August 10, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husbands, three sisters, and three brothers-in-law. She is survived by her beloved sister Violet Davis of Seaton, IL; her five children: Ed Blick (Chantana) of Hampstead, NC, Julie Baker (Ron) of Jacksonville, FL, Bob Blick (Mary) of Normal, IL, Dave Blick of Milan, IL, and Mary Wall (Eric) of Austin, TX; 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

A graveside service is being planned for fall 2022. Friends are encouraged to sign the guest book at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory’s website, www.wheelanpressly.com. Memorials may be made to Friendship Manor, Rock Island, IL.