Esther Virginia Dace, of Sullivan, MO, passed away Friday, June 10, 2016 at the age of 95 years, five months and 12 days.
Virginia, as she was known by her family and friends, was born in Springfield, IL on December 28, 1920 to the late Jacob Franklin and Esther (Tinsley) Foster. She was raised at nearby Chatham and graduated from Springfield High School.
On August 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to Ethan Monroe Dace in Springfield and to this marriage, three sons were born of which one son Michael, died in infancy. Virginia honorably served her country during WWII with the U.S. Navy attaining the rank of Yeoman Third Class. She and her husband came to live in the Bourbon, MO area around 1990 and eventually moved to Sullivan. She was active at the Bourbon Senior Center before coming to Sullivan and enjoyed traveling and crocheting. She was known to have a kind and sweet personality and never spoke negatively or complained about anything. Virginia was a dedicated homemaker and was like a grandmother to many individuals in the area. She was a member of the Sullivan Christian Church and participated in the Senior Ambassadors group. While living in Springfield, Virginia taught Sunday school many years at the Southside Christian Church.
She is survived by two sons; Mark Dace and wife Peggy of Sullivan and Tracy Dace of Houston, TX; four grandchildren, Mindy Thompson, Micah Dace, Mallori Peregoy and Logan Dace, one step-granddaughter, Ashlea Monsibais; seven great-grandchildren, Hayden Thompson, Trevor Thompson, Wyatt Peregoy, Lauren Peregoy, Ethan Dace, Bradley Peregoy and Parker Thompson, three step-great-grandchildren, Madison, Brady and Aiden Monsibais; other relatives and friends.
Along with her parents and son, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Ethan in 2010 and by two brothers, Jimmy and Billy Foster.
Funeral services were conducted 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 14 from the Eaton Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 301 Sappington Bridge Road, with Pastor Willard Love officiating. Full military honors were bestowed following the funeral service. Interment was in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. at the Eaton Funeral Home Southside Chapel. The family suggests memorials to the Sullivan Christian Church.
Friends may sign the family’s online guestbook at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.