Alverna Marie Virtue, 86, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Pinecrest Terrace, in Mount Morris, IL, surrounded by her family.

Friends may call from 3 P/M to 7 P/M, on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Scales Mound.

Friends may also call after 12:30 P/M, Monday, March 24, 2014, at the Walker Mortuary, Freeport, IL.

Funeral Services will be at 2 P/M, Monday, March 24, 2014, at the Walker Mortuary, Freeport, with burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport.

Alverna was born April 23, 1927, in the family home in Scales Mound.  She was the daughter of George and Eva (Stiefel) Stine.  She married Vernon B. Virtue on June 12, 1947.  He passed away on December 8, 1995.

Alverna was a farmer's wife and homemaker.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and visits from her friends and family.  Working and living on the farm was her life.  She was a member of the Schapville Presbyterian Church in Schapville.

Surviving is her daughter, Alexa Kay (Guy) Crumley, of Jacksonville, IL; one son, David (friend, Kelly Watson), of Freeport, IL; her sisters, Lila Feary, of Polo, IL, and Arleeta Bretl, of Seattle, WA; nine grandchildren, Tavis, Nathan, Tanner and Dustin Virtue, David and Katie Crumley, Nicole and Jason Eckstein; great-grandchildren, Asher Crumley, Lydia Virtue, Mason and Kallon Virtue, and Zack Werner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Deanna Eckstein; sisters, Evelyn Evans and Dorothy Schultz.

A special "thank-you" to neighbors, friends, and family whose support enabled Alverna to remain in her home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name.