Virginia A. Barnes

Virginia A. Barnes, 99, a true lifelong resident of Chatham, IL, died on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Virginia was born December 14, 1918, to Frank and Anna (Reid) Whitney in Chatham. Frank died when she was three and her mother then married William Bell who helped raise her. Virginia attended Chatham Elementary and graduated from Ball Township High School. She married Raymond F. Barnes on September 14, 1940. Raymond and Virginia had two children, Donna R. Behl and Frank L. Barnes. Virginia worked for Central IL Telephone Company in Chatham before she and Raymond married. While raising her kids, she was the treasurer for the Village of Chatham. She worked for many years as a receptionist in the office of Dr. Kenneth Schnepp. Virginia kept an impeccable house and was an amazing seamstress and a great cook. She was an avid quilter and member of the Chatham Prairie Quilters. Virginia and Raymond were devoted members of the Chatham United Methodist Church, where she served on several committees and taught Sunday School. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father; sister, Leona Belangee; and husband, Raymond. She is survived by her children, Donna (Lyle) Behl and Frank (Joanne) Barnes, all of Rochester; four grandchildren, Matt Behl, Suzanne (Brian) Daugherty, Leigh Ann (Otto) Rentschler, and Charlie (Heather) Barnes; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. The family would like to express sincere thanks to Virginias caregivers. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2018, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 2, 2018, at Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 W. Chestnut, Chatham, with Rev. Miriam Snider officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Community Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 W. Chestnut, Chatham, IL 62629 or Chatham Fire Protection District, 1 Fireman Sq., Chatham, IL 62629.