Virginia C. Sterne

Virginia C. Sterne, 86, of Davenport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 12:00 P.M. in The Runge Mortuary Chapel with visitation 1 hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Kiethsburg, Illinois. On line tributes and condolences may be made at www.therungemortuary.com.

Virginia was born on October 14, 1928 in New Boston, IL. to Catherine (Gray) and Oscar Eads. She married Edward J. Thordsen and later Bryce Sterne.

Virginia was an adventurous soul, living in California, Texas, Arkansas, and Iowa, and Illinois. She was an animal lover, who always had dogs, often cats and sometimes had horses. Virginia was an accomplished artist, who created fabulous works of art with colored pencils, watercolors, pastels, oils, film, or any medium that struck her fancy. In addition, Virginia was quite the story- teller, regaling those around her with tales of her fascinating past.

Virginia was a hard working business woman who owned and operated Kelly Vacuum in Davenport. With her family she refurbished the old Times Democrat Building on Brady Street in downtown Davenport. Together, the family refinished the press room floor to create the beautiful Skylight Room reception hall in the same building. Virginia spent her last years lovingly and carefully tended to by daughter and son in law, Cathy and Bill Howard. During a time of need her great niece and husband, Sandi (Bob) Warner who took wonderful care of her beloved dogs. She leaves to mourn her passing, son Edward (Denise) Thordsen, Waukesha, WI. daughter, Catherine (William) Howard, Moline, IL.; grandchildren, Dr. Sarah Thordsen M.D. and husband Dr. Himanshu Agrawal M.D. Minneapolis, MN., and a great grandchild on the way. Other survivors include nieces; Pat (John) Zamora, Davenport and Judy (Scott) Blackwell, Kokomo, IN. and nephew Robert (Valerie) Fairbanks, Davenport. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bryce, brothers, Warren, Mark, Merlin, and Edward Eads; sisters, Evelyn Fairbanks, Violet and Mary Eads; nephew David Fairbanks and niece Elizabeth Fahrenkrug, and the father of her children, Edward Thordsen.