Madeline Ann "Maddie" Best, age 16, of O'Fallon, born February 6, 2007 in Belleville, Ill., passed away Friday, October 20, 2023 as a result of a tragic auto accident.

Maddie was a junior at O'Fallon Township High School, where she was a vital part of the student body. Maddie loved serving on the Student Council, where she had the opportunity to contribute to the school spirit and embrace the fun that high school life can offer. She recently had a great week celebrating Homecoming with her friends. She was a former member of the OTHS Band and was currently on the Tennis team. She was much loved in her neighborhood where she was often the go-to babysitter; Maddie had even created a "Maddie Camp" for the younger kids in the neighborhood to come together during the summer months to learn and be creative. For her entire short life, she aspired to be an elementary teacher. She lived life with enthusiasm and appreciated and loved her O-Town community.

She was preceded in death by her aunt Ginger Broy; and grandfathers Terry Best and Ralph Rodenmayer.

She will be missed by many, especially her parents Kory and Tammy, nee Rodenmayer, Best of O'Fallon; her younger brother Logan Christopher Best; grandmothers Beverly (Gus Piening) Best of Edwardsville; Judy (Tom) Dorris of West Frankfort, Ill., great-grandmother Norma Best of Staunton, Ill.; aunt Lindsey Wulfing of Troy, Ill.; cousins Chase and Grant Wulfing; and her fellow classmates, teammates and friends at OTHS.

The family is especially grateful to the O-Town community for the outpouring of love, kindness, and thoughtful remembrances and stories that have been shared over the past few days, and to Cornerstone Church for their support. The stories and photos have been a special gift to Maddie's parents and brother, and will serve as a lasting tribute to how Maddie has touched many lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory are suggested to Kory and Tammy Best, to be used toward supporting various OTHS activities, events, and scholarships. Stories or memories of Maddie may be shared with her family at memoriesofmaddiebest@gmail.com .

Visitation will be held from 3-6 pm, Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Cornerstone Church, 775 N. Green Mount Rd., Shiloh, Illinois. To honor Maddie, please consider wearing PINK on Sunday.

Funeral Service will begin at 6 pm, Sunday, at the church, with Pastor Chris VandeLinde officiating. Livestreaming is available HERE

Maddie will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with the family at O'Fallon City Cemetery, O'Fallon, Illinois.