Virginia Lillian (Starling) Whitlow

Virginia Lillian Whitlow, aged 86, passed away peacefully at her home, with her family at her side on Thursday, November 14, 2024.   A longtime resident of Nokomis, Illinois, Virginia will be remembered for her warmth, gentle spirit, and the joy she brought to everyone she met.

Born on July 9, 1938, in Springfield, Illinois, to Logan Lee and Virginia (Newberry) Starling.  She graduated from Springfield High School with the Class of 1956.  She and Charles “Pete” Whitlow were married on November 30, 1957, at Kumler Methodist Church in Springfield and enjoyed 66 years of marriage before Pete passed away on October 9, 2023.

She shared countless happy moments with her devoted husband, Pete, as they explored flea markets together, searching for treasures they lovingly collected. Virginia also had a passion for traveling and enjoyed the freedom of riding in the car, always ensuring she returned to her beloved home by night. They loved country music and square dancing, traveling to Nashville, TN annually to celebrate their wedding anniversary.  She was an avid reader and her favorite place in town was the library.  She had donated hundred of books to Nokomis Public Library.

Virginia is survived by her daughters, Janet (George) Taylor of Litchfield, Illinois, and Ann (Dean Stevens) Whitlow of Lombard, Illinois. She was the proud grandmother of Derrick (Sarah) Osborn of Tower Hill, and cherished her great-grandchildren, Brantlee, Etta, Hattie Ann and Elias Osborn. She was also a loving step-grandmother to Natalie and Braelyn Stevens.

Virginia is also survived by her beloved sisters: Kathryn Mohn of San Antonio, Suzanne Howell of Morton, Sally Miller of San Antonio and Patty Yaris (Jim) Jones of Decatur, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Logan Lee and Virginia Starling, and her husband, Pete Whitlow.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Funeral services will follow immediately after the visitation, with burial at Nokomis Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Susan G. Koman.  

Online condolences can be left at stiehldawsonfh.com

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