Ferges-Virginia Louise Grounds, age 90, of Ferges, passed away at 2:05am on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Westside Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Frankfort.
Virginia Louise was born in West Frankfort on August 28, 1924, the daughter of Herman and Kittie Etta (Day) Scoby. She married the love of her life, Abraham W. “A.W.” Grounds in Ferges on January 10, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 9, 2004.
Although she was a homemaker who cared for her family, she earlier worked for the Defense Industry in St. Louis and Chicago during WWII.
Mrs. Grounds was an active member of Ferges Free Methodist Church. She served many years as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher. She was an excellent cook who was known for her coconut cream pie and wonderful holiday meals. She had an adventurous spirit. She took a motorcycle and four wheeler ride while in her late 80’s. She also enjoyed time spent with her family and friends.
Survivors include-
Son- Gary and Sue Grounds of Charleston, IL
Daughter- Brenda and James K. Ritter of Ferges
Daughter- Linda and Jim Cargal of Johnston City
Grandchildren-
Daniel Grounds of Romeoville
Christie Hardin-Weiss of Carterville
Teresa Milligan of Mattoon
Amy Annis of Mattoon
Jennifer McCabe and husband Scott of Herrin
Jarrod Ritter and wife Cindy of Marion
Jeremy Ritter and wife Wendi of Energy
Joy Snell and husband Matt of Herrin
Erin Long of Johnston City
Adam Cargal and wife Misty of Johnston City
Holly Lewis and husband Corey of Marion
Great Grandchildren-
Madison Milligan of Mattoon
Cameron, Jordan and Nate Annis of Mattoon
Alyssa Pribble of Herrin
Madison Mae Pribble of Herrin
Haley Elizabeth and Abigail Ritter of Marion
Kelley Jo and Jessica Ritter of Energy
Cameron and Bryson Long of Johnston City
Brennan and Reese Cargal of Johnston City
Karsyn and Haedyn Lewis of Marion
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers- James and Lloyd Scoby, infant brothers- Clifford and Jackie Scoby, infant sister- Nora Mae Scoby, sister- Ruby Magner, her grandson- Jeffrey Grounds and great grandson- Joshua Ritter.
Throughout her long illness, Virginia Louise expressed her wish to go home. The family takes comfort in knowing she is safe and secure in her Heavenly home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Ferges Free Methodist Church in Ferges. Rev. Ted Cunningham will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2015 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Ferges Free Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home.