Reva Maude McMains
On March 2, 2014, Reva Maude (Jackson) McMains returned to the loving arms of the lord to spend eternity with the love of her life, Joe McMains. She was born June 16, 1932, in Abilene, TX, to Virgil and Ernestine (Moore) Jackson. She had five sisters and two brothers. Virgil was a Chaplin in the Army and was sent to the Pacific Theater so the family spent time on the west coast while he was gone. They ran a dry cleaning business in Salem OR, Wenatchee and also in Moses Lake. All of the Jackson kids worked for the cleaners throughout their schooling.
The Church of Christ was a driving force for the family and where Maude's heart was captured. A young man named Joe was leading worship at the Church in Moses Lake that Sunday night, and no one knows for sure who fell in love first. It was apparent that they both were taken with each other. The charisma of Joe and the beauty of Maude were forever sealed in their love for each other. Maude continued her schooling at the Harding Christian College, but did not graduate; she could not stand to be gone from her Joe! They were married in Moses Lake on Oct.24, 1952 and celebrated their wedding night with Joe in jail and Maude sitting outside the cell crying. It was a great story. It will always show the love they had for each other and the ability to find humor, even in the things that at the time were not that funny!
Maude was a telephone operator. She took a short break in her career to have three babies, and then went back to work until the office closed in the 70's. Maude's only worry was that her kids were fed (which she did quite well), clothed and schooled. These things came naturally for Maude. Joe wanted to be a farmer, so in spite of Maude's terrible allergies she helped him develop a farm. Maude would work at the telephone company to put food on the table and Joe would work all day to make the farm successful. As time went by, they sold the farm and moved to a couple acres off of Dodson Rd. This turned out to be the best home they ever made together. The trees, flowers and lawn were their pride and joy. Maude and Joe loved to go camping and spent many times up in the Lost River area outside of Mazama, WA. This will be their final resting spot, together forever, as they wished.
As the years went by, Maude's memory became more and more confusing for her and was eventually diagnosed with Dementia. Joe was able to care for her and even took her with him on trips until he retired. They spent most of their time at home as that was where she was the most comfortable. After Joe was diagnosed with cancer, Maude moved into Summerwood Alzheimer's rest home. She did not understand why she had to stay there but Joe's daily visits helped her to cope. After Joe passed away, all she wanted was to find Joe, and stay with him. The day arrived when Maude finally found Joe and they will be forever together in our hearts and minds.
Maude was survived by her children Dave (Kathy [Frogg]) of Moses Lake, Sean (Linda) of Washougal, and Becky McMains of Ephrata; twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers Geneva Galbreath of Harlingen, TX, Lovera Baird of Rolla MO , Ginger Burress of Nashville, TN, Virgil Jr, and Don Jackson of Puyallup, WA; and several nieces and nephews. She loved them all and always felt the greatest joy when her family would meet at their house for enchiladas and a great Sunday night treat of Joes popcorn and Maude's world renowned Fudge.
Maude was preceded in death by her loving husband Joe McMains; parents, Virgil and Ernestine Jackson; sisters Jane Davis and Zarita Ferris.
A memorial service is planned for May 10, 2014 at the Ephrata Church of Christ at 1:00pm. There will be light refreshments after the service.