Virginia Weaver

Virginia Weaver, 91, of Peoria passed away June 3, the date of her 70th wedding anniversary, at her home on the farm surrounded by her family. Earlier in the day she had listened to her favorites songs on piano performed by Ed and Janet Kaizer. Virginia will be remembered as a loving, caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her children Jerry (Nancy) Weaver, Phyllis (Don) Crouch, Steve (Shelley) Weaver, Karen (Bob Vespa) Weaver and Charles (Laurie) Weaver . She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years Robert, her parents Ora and Ella Garber and her sister Shirley Roth.

Virginia was born in Eureka, Illinois. After graduation from Peoria High School she was employed at Buehler Home in the accounting department. The skills she acquired there served her well as a founding partner of what would become Weaver Enterprises.

She and Bob met at the Ann Street Mennonite Church and he knew “it had to be her”. They married 2 days after her twenty first birthday. Virginia was a city girl who made the transition to a farmer’s wife quickly. Whether feeding cattle or processing poultry, all the while caring for five children, she did what it took to get the job completed.

Her marriage to Bob was the start of a wonderful partnership that resulted in the formation and growth of their business. They each had differing gifts that balanced each other, him being the dreamer and developer of ideas and she being his more cautious balance.

She particularly loved flowers, whether planning, developing or working in her perennial gardens. Most summer days she could be found at the gazebo either planting or enjoying her flowers.

She and Bob were well known in the horse coaching and carriage world, enjoying the relationships and thriving on the competition. As Bob held the reigns, Virginia appropriately pointed the way and offered advice.

However most important to her was providing a loving environment for her family. Holidays, family birthdays and Sunday evenings at the pool were especially meaningful times for Virginia and her family. She had a gift of making each grandchild feel they were her favorite when they were with her.

Her Christian faith was at the center of her life. Through the years she was involved in the life of the church as a Sunday- School teacher and church treasurer. She provided a wonderful example of Christian service to her family. In her later years her faith was deepened at the First United Methodist Church.

She and Bob had generous spirits and were jointly honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropists of the year as well being the Easter Seals Tribute Dinner honorees.

The family is grateful for the exceptional loving care given her by Andrea, Chelsea, Latoya, Rahula, Samantha, Nurses Caring for People and Methodist Hospice.

To allow for family to gather, visitation will be at First United Methodist Church Peoria Friday June 26 from 4-7 p.m. Memorial services will be Saturday June 27 at 11:00 at the church. A private burial will be held at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.

The family request no flowers be given. Memorial gifts may be given to the Salvation Army Heartland Division, Easter Seals UPC or the First United Methodist Church of Peoria Loaves and Fish Ministry. The Davison Fulton Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home is handling arrangements. You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com.