Elsie M. Virtue, 90, of Galena, IL, passed away at 5:55 P/M, Sunday, April 28, 2013, at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community with her family by her side.

Funeral Services will be at 11 A/M, Thursday, May 2, 2013, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Galena, with Pastors Phillip Brown, Joe Leverton, and Jeff Suits officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

Friends may call from 2 P/M to 8:30 P/M, Wednesday, May 1, 2013, and after 10 A/M, Thursday, May 2, 2013, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Galena.

Mrs. Virtue was born on September 20, 1922, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Henry and Amelia (Weik) North.

Elsie attended Mt. Pleasant School on Blackjack Road in Galena. Elsie married Ellsworth C. A. Virtue on January 25, 1944, at the First Presbyterian Church in Galena. He preceded her in death on November 14, 1993. They were married just two and one-half months short of 50 years.

In addition to being a housewife, she worked at Grassel's Clothing Store in Galena and at Eaton Corporation in Hanover, IL, and farmed with her husband on the family farm. Elsie was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Galena, until it divided.

Elsie loved reading, gardening, baking, watching Christian TV, and especially being with family.

Surviving are three sons, Chuck (Elsie) Virtue, of Platteville, WI, Ambrose (Carol) Virtue and Les Virtue, both of Galena, IL; a sister-in-law, Gayle Virtue, of Ripon, WI; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and many relatives and friends; and her beloved dog, "Molly".

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; a son, David, on June 12, 1970; a great grandchild, Dustin Visser; a brother, Alvin North; and a sister in infancy.

Elsie's family would like to "thank" the excellent staff at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community and the Hospice of Dubuque Nurses for the superb care given to their Mom.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.