Virginia L. Farmer, nee Milton, 78, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, June 16, 1942, in West Frankfort, IL, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021 at her residence in Belleville, IL.
Virginia was a member of the First Christian Church of Belleville. She was a stay-at-home mother who also substitute taught at Belleville East High School and assisted her husband in his insurance business. Virginia was raised in Benton, IL and graduated valedictorian of her class of 1960, Benton Township H.S. She was named outstanding band member and head majorette. She received a teacher’s scholarship to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and continued twirling to become head majorette of the Marching Salukis. During her junior year she was selected as one of the nations “Top Ten” twirlers by the Indianapolis 500 Speedway Association and performed at their parade and speedway. Additionally, she won the talent award at the Miss Southern Pageant. She married Ted Farmer, March 15, 1964. She enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. Virginia and Ted visited over 50 countries, with multiple visits to most. In addition, they visited all 50 states and every Canadian Province.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: Allen and Lucille, nee Doris, Milton
- Sister: Carol (Larry) Casserilla
- Sister-in-law: Sharon (Carl) Willis
Surviving are her:
- Husband: George “Ted” Farmer of Belleville, IL
- Sons
- George “Alan” (Kari) Farmer of Columbia, IL
- Robert (Christina) Farmer of Shiloh, IL
- Grandchildren
- Kassi, Kalli, Korbin, Austin, Alexis and Ashleigh Farmer
- Brother: Joseph (Karen) Milton
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Belleville, IL or donor’s choice.
Funeral: Private family services. Interment at Green Mount Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
15 Comments To "Virginia L. Farmer"
#1 Comment By Leslie Ecker On January 19, 2021 @ 9:02 am
Bob, Christina, Austin, Alexis, Ashleigh and the entire Farmer family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You will all be with us in our thoughts and prayers as you go through these difficult times. Hold tight to the many good times you had as a family. Those memories are priceless and will help you through many rough days in the weeks and months to come. I pray for better tomorrows for all of you.
Our most sincere condolences,
Mike, Leslie, Mackenzie, Madison and Matthew Ecker
#2 Comment By Mark Tessereau On January 19, 2021 @ 11:23 am
I have fond memories of Virginia substituting for me and the band at Belleville East. She was always very pleasant to talk with and I enjoyed knowing that my students were under her care. She will definitely be missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
#3 Comment By Nancy Sawalich On January 19, 2021 @ 11:28 am
I enjoyed knowing Virginia in Belleville Junior Woman’s Club in the late 70’s. When our paths crossed over the years, it was always nice to see her again. My deepest condolences to your family.
Nancy Sawalich
#4 Comment By Daryel and Carol Buesking On January 19, 2021 @ 11:56 am
Ted and Family Carol and I are so sorry to hear this news. We had a great time when we had the pleasure of Virginia”s company. Carol has told me some much about hour Andy and Her traveled with you guys and I know I always enjoyed The times I shared with you guys except the first time I met Ted lol. Your are in our thoughts and Prayers.
#5 Comment By Janet Loeffler On January 19, 2021 @ 11:15 pm
Ron and I always enjoyed playing pinochle with you. We will miss you, Virginia. Our prayers are with Ted and family. Janet and Ron Loeffler
#6 Comment By Grace K Hoffman On January 21, 2021 @ 3:46 pm
I always enjoyed the many interesting conversations we shared as I cut her hair over the years. As well as I thought I knew her, she never once shared about her twirling talents! Definitely speaks to her humble nature and not wanting the spotlight on her but rather accomplishments of others. I know you will all miss her but also know that she now enjoys the blessings of her heavenly home! What more could we ask for her!!
Grace and Larry Hoffman
#7 Comment By Powers Family On January 22, 2021 @ 12:16 pm
Virginia it was our pleasure of knowing you and spending many great times together. You always treated us and our kids as if they were your own. We will always remember all the holidays we spent together and all those memories we all shared at the lake. We love you and you will be missed. Love the Powers Family. ???❤❤❤
#8 Comment By Carrie Courtney On January 22, 2021 @ 12:48 pm
Condolences from myself and Morgan-I actually had her for a substitute teacher on many occasions at Belleville East, and have always remembered her warmly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family.
#9 Comment By Christine Bassett On January 22, 2021 @ 5:03 pm
Deepest condolences to the Farmer family. Hoping that your sweet memories of Virginia help to sustain you all during this most difficult time. Love and Prayers.
Will and Chris Bassett
#10 Comment By Jana Moll On January 23, 2021 @ 9:44 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Virginia was so full of life. I remember her walking down to our house to pick cherries and making a pie for us too. She will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Jana Moll and family
#11 Comment By Sabine Vaughn On January 23, 2021 @ 10:00 pm
I am so sorry for your loss , I want you to know I have so enjoyed talking with Virginia and you when you showed me your rock collection . Over the years I have many times run into you both and always enjoyed our conversations. I am so sorry , I will always remember times spent , Sabine Vaughn
#12 Comment By Joe Cipfl On January 24, 2021 @ 8:58 am
Ted:
Linda and I share our thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Such a long and beautiful relationship that Virginia and you accomplished. Please treasure and enjoy those wonderful memories. God bless and do take care!
#13 Comment By Jeff Wright On January 24, 2021 @ 9:14 am
Condolences from the Wright family. Virginia was always sweet and almost like a second mom as I spent so much time there as Bob and I hung out a lot through grade school and high school. She and Ted did a great job raising 2 outstanding men in Alan, and Bob. Thinking of your whole family at this time.
#14 Comment By Jerry Dunn On January 25, 2021 @ 8:48 am
To the wonderful Farmer family:
I am so sorry for your loss.
I remember Virginia as the “super sub” at Belleville East.
#15 Comment By Sheila Misselhorn On January 18, 2022 @ 11:31 am
I am so very sorry to hear of Virginia Farmer’s passing. Although I had not seen Virginia for many years, all my memories of her are fond ones. When I was Dept. Head of English at Belleville East, Virginia was our most reliable and effective substitute teacher. She could be trusted to manage a class and provide the information effectively to the class as the regular teacher had intended. These traits may not seem remarkable, but they really are! She was a sweet, kind, and relatively soft-spoken person, but when it was necessary, she could make herself heard. I enjoyed chatting with her about her travels and about the Southern Illinois background we had in common. Every year Sparta (where I am from) High School played Benton High School for our opening football game. I extend my sympathy to Virginia’s husband Ted and to her entire family. She was a fine, hardworking person. I am sure she will be greatly missed. A quote from Carson McCullers: “How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?”